Donald Trump has set his sights on Europe after firming up sweeping tariffs on Canadian, Mexican and Chinese imports over the weekend.
Having repeatedly pledged levies whilst campaigning, the president set 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico on Saturday.
A 10% levy was placed on Chinese goods in the meantime, as Canadian energy also became subject to a lower 10% tariff.
“It will definitely happen with the European Union, I can tell you that,” Trump then told reporters on Sunday.
“I wouldn’t say there’s a timeline but it’s going to be pretty soon.”
According to a White House press release, tariffs had been set to hold Canada, China and Mexico “accountable to their promises of halting illegal immigration and stopping poisonous fentanyl and other drugs” from reaching the US.
Canada and Mexico since vowed to hit back with retaliatory levies, while China alluded to “corresponding counter measures”.
Trump added taxes against the European Union would come as “they take almost nothing and we take everything from them,” such as “millions of cars” and “tremendous amounts of food and farm products”.
A softer line was taken against the UK though, with which the US does not have a trade deficit, as Trump also cited a positive relationship with prime minister Keir Starmer.
“The UK is out of line. But I'm sure that one, I think that one, can be worked out,” he said.