Liberation Day 2.0 – Trump’s New Tariffs on EU Goods - What they mean for you?

On May 23, 2025, President Donald Trump announced the expansion of his “Liberation Day” trade initiative—a 50% blanket tariff on all imports from the European Union, effective June 1, 2025. Dubbed “Liberation Day 2.0,” this marks the most aggressive U.S. tariff escalation since the original April announcement that imposed a 10% universal tariff and country-specific duties targeting China and others.

These new measures are framed as retaliation for “unfair trade practices” and “regulatory discrimination” that the U.S. claims disadvantage American exporters. Trump also threatened a 25% tariff on smartphones not manufactured in the United States, a move aimed at reshoring production by targeting brands like Apple and Samsung.

‍

🔍 Key Takeaways for Businesses

• 50% Tariff on EU Imports: Applies to all product categories, including machinery, pharmaceuticals, automotive parts, chemicals, foodstuffs, and luxury goods.
• Increased Costs and Uncertainty: EU exporters and U.S. importers now face immediate margin pressure and contract risk.
• Retaliatory Measures: The EU has signaled possible countermeasures, increasing the risk of a prolonged trade conflict.
• Global Supply Chain Reassessment: Businesses reliant on transatlantic trade will need urgent risk-mitigation plans.

📊 Implications for Trade Compliance and Customs Strategy

• Tariff Classification Scrutiny: HS codes will be under intense review. Misclassification could result in retroactive penalties and cargo holds.
• Valuation Adjustments: Companies will need to re-calculate customs values, including transfer pricing and assist costs, which could artificially inflate duties.
• Country of Origin Rules: Firms may seek to revise origin declarations or pursue substantial transformation analysis to shift origin away from the EU.
• Duty Optimization and Suspension: Exploring binding tariff rulings, inward processing, or bonded warehouse regimes will become essential.

🔧 How MR Global Consult Can Help

With less than 10 days before the new tariffs take effect, speed and precision are critical. Companies that act now can secure favorable customs positions and avoid significant financial exposure. MR Global Consult offers hands-on, strategic advisory support to companies navigating these disruptions. Our goal is to reduce your customs costs, maintain compliance, and secure your supply chain.

Customs Impact Assessments

1. Product-by-product analysis of new tariff exposure
2. Scenario planning for origin, valuation, and routing changes

Mitigation & Restructuring Strategies

1. Country of origin engineering and alternate sourcing
2. EU-U.S. transshipment and free trade zone optimization‍
3. ‍Liaising with U.S. customs brokers, EU exporters, and legal counsel

‍

👉 Contact us today to schedule atailored consultation or email us at info@mrglobalconsult.com    

“Trade wars are easy to win.” — President Donald Trump, 2025 …But for businesses, only smart planning and compliance can minimize the cost of battle.