In a sweeping move that has sent shockwaves across Europe, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a 50% tariff on all European Union exports to the United States, effective June 1, 2025.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump said: “The European Union, which was formed for the primary purpose of taking advantage of the United States on TRADE, has been very difficult to deal with… Our discussions with them are going nowhere! Therefore, I am recommending a straight 50% tariff on the European Union, starting on June 1, 2025. There is no tariff if the product is built or manufactured in the United States.”
As the EU braces for economic turbulence, many in the UK took to social media to highlight what they see as a tangible Brexit dividend: exemption from Trump’s latest trade crackdown.
One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “Anyone want a Brexit benefit? Trump is going to impose a 50% tariff on all EU exports to the US, from June 1st. The UK, however, thanks to leaving? 10%. Thanks Brexit.”
Another post read, “President Trump has just announced that every EU export to the US will be hit with a 50% tariff. Imagine if Britain hadn’t voted to leave. We’d still be chained to the sinking wreck that is Brussels. Brexit isn’t just working. It’s shielding our economy.”
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A third user posted, “Donald Trump to impose a 50% tariff on the EU. EU in meltdown. UK avoids it due to Brexit. When the left ask for Brexit benefits, show them this.”“There’s a Brexit benefit right there… we aren’t part of this 50% tariff club,” added another, taking aim at critics of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.Earlier, Trump also confirmed a new trade understanding with the UK, which includes reduced non-tariff barriers on key U.S. exports like beef, ethanol, machinery, and chemicals. While the UK will still face a baseline 10% tariff—also levied on other non-EU countries—tariffs on British vehicles exported to the U.S. will drop from 25% to 10%.
The UK officially left the European Union on January 31, 2020. Having joined its precursor, the European Communities, in 1973, it remains the only country to have withdrawn from the bloc.