Trump threatens sweeping tariffs, urges EU to fund Ukraine aid

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
24 Jul 2025 03:34

US President Donald Trump threatens global tariffs, urges the EU to fund Ukraine aid, and advances trade deals with Asia amid China talks in Sweden.

Listen

United States President Donald Trump speaks during a reception for Republican members of Congress in the East Room of the White House, in Washington, US, on July 22, 2025. (AP)

United States President Donald Trump's administration’s economic pressure campaign has resurfaced, as the president vowed to impose broad new tariffs on most countries worldwide while advancing energy and trade agreements with Asian nations.

In a series of statements, Trump revealed that Washington is in the process of concluding a trade agreement with China and is engaged in “serious” talks with the European Union (EU). He warned that the US would proceed with new tariffs unless the EU opens its markets to American companies.

“We will not retreat from tariffs unless the EU removes obstacles to US businesses,” Trump said, echoing his administration’s long-standing “America First” doctrine.

Economic escalation, energy strategy

Trump confirmed that his administration is working on multiple trade and energy deals with Asian countries, part of a broader strategy to reduce oil prices and strengthen US energy dominance. However, he declined to provide details on the energy-related negotiations, which reportedly include new infrastructure and supply agreements.

These developments come as the US seeks to reassert its economic leverage globally, pairing tariff threats with targeted partnerships in East and Southeast Asia.

EU must pay for Ukraine aid, Trump says

In continued reflection of growing pressure on US allies, Trump declared that the EU would now be responsible for the costs of military assistance provided to Ukraine.

Once again, Trump brought up his administration's approach to external interventions, emphasizing burden-sharing with allies and minimizing the financial cost to the US.

“The EU will take on the costs of our military support to Ukraine,” Trump said, in what appears to be a further step toward offloading the financial burden of Washington’s global military posture.

US-China trade talks move to Stockholm

Meanwhile, China’s Ministry of Commerce confirmed that Vice Premier He Lifeng will visit Sweden between July 27 and 30 for economic and trade talks with senior US officials. The meetings in Stockholm follow earlier rounds in Geneva and London and are part of an effort to finalize a broader deal before the current tariff truce expires on August 12.

The two sides are reportedly aiming for a framework grounded in “mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation.”