Trump's 30% Tariff Threat Targets EU and Mexico – Key Stocks at Risk by August 1

Business Insider

15 hours ago

Tariffs are back, and this time the stakes are bigger. President Donald Trump said the U.S. will impose a 30% tariff on all goods from the European Union and Mexico, two trade partners that account for nearly one-third of total U.S. imports. The new tax hits on August 1 and could push up prices, disrupt supply chains, and pressure margins across industries from autos to retail.
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The EU accounted for $553 billion in U.S. imports in 2022, while Mexico contributed $454.8 billion, according to the U.S. Trade Representative. Together, they make up nearly one-third of all U.S. imports. A blanket 30% tariff on this scale will likely mean higher prices at checkout for American consumers, especially on goods like cars, auto parts, wine, spirits, pharmaceuticals, and electronics.
Several Industries Are Bracing for Impact
Retailers and importers will face tough decisions. Most will pass on the higher costs, raising prices on European and Mexican goods. Supply chains could also get squeezed. Companies that rely on components or materials from these regions may experience delays, price hikes, or need to find new vendors altogether.
For investors, several consumer and retail names could feel the pressure. Automakers like BMW (BMWYY), Volkswagen (VWAGY), and Stellantis (STLA) have large export footprints from Europe. In the U.S., retailers like Costco (COST), Walmart (WMT), and Target (TGT) could see margin pressure if import costs rise. U.S. wine importers and spirits sellers like Constellation Brands (STZ) may also be affected if European products become more expensive.
The EU and Mexico have both signaled they may respond. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned of 'proportionate countermeasures' if the tariffs go through. Mexico called the move 'unfair' and said talks are ongoing.
More Tariffs on Deck
The broader policy comes as part of Trump's tariff strategy, first launched on April 2 with a 10% blanket rate and higher duties on nearly 60 countries. That rollout caused market turbulence before being paused for negotiations. Only the United Kingdom and Vietnam have finalized preliminary trade deals since then. Trump has now reset the deadline for Aug 1, with tariff letters also been sent to 23 other partners, including Canada, Japan, and Brazil.
If no new deals are reached, tariffs as high as 50% could hit a wide range of imports. That could weigh on consumer demand, raise inflation, and complicate supply chains heading into the holiday season. Investors will be watching for signs of trade resolutions or retaliations in the weeks ahead.
Using TipRanks' Comparison Tool, we've gathered all the tickers mentioned in this article – each potentially exposed to margin pressure if the new tariffs take effect – and compared them side by side.