Agencies Washington

The European Union (EU) and Mexico have expressed disappointment at US President Donald Trump's threat to impose 30 per cent tariffs on their imports from 1 August. Mexico criticised what it called Trump's "unfair deal" and insisted its sovereignty was non-negotiable, while the EU's chief, Ursula von der Leyen threatened to take "proportionate countermeasures", if needed. Both said they wanted to keep negotiating with the US.

Mexico has called the new tariffs announced by the United States unfair, and the two sides have launched formal negotiations through a permanent bilateral working group, the Mexican government said.  In a joint statement, the foreign affairs and economy ministries said that a high-level meeting between a Mexican delegation and US officials was held in Washington on Friday, during which the Mexican side was informed that new tariffs would take effect on August 1.

"We stated clearly that we believe this is unfair and that we do not agree," said the ministries.Trump has warned he will impose even higher import taxes if either of the US trading partners decide to retaliate. This week Trump also announced new tariffs on goods from Japan, South Korea, Canada and Brazil from next month.