Trump announces 30% tariffs on Mexico, EU... President Donald Trump sent letters to Mexico and the European Union threatening 30% tariffs on imports, effective Aug. 1, with higher levels threatened if negotiations on comprehensive trade deals remain stalled. The tariffs on Mexico are linked to concerns over fentanyl and border security, while the EU tariffs are justified by the administration as a response to the persistent U.S. trade deficit with the bloc. “Goods transshipped to evade a higher Tariff” will also face a higher rate, Trump added.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the EU will extend its suspension of planned countermeasures against U.S. tariffs through early August, buying more time for negotiations. The EU has prepared a list of tariffs worth 21 billion euros ($24.52 billion) on U.S. goods if they fail to reach a trade deal.
Mexican officials stated they are working to secure an alternative to the tariffs before the Aug. 1 deadline.
The EU and Mexico together account for about one-third of total U.S. goods imports.
U.S./Taiwan tariff talks reach critical juncture... Taiwan’s government says trade negotiations with the U.S. have entered a “crucial moment,” with both sides aiming to finalize a tariff agreement before the looming Aug. 1 deadline. Following a third round of in-person talks in Washington on July 8, Taiwanese officials led by Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun and chief negotiator Yang Jen-ni reported significant progress, including consensus on key issues and an agreement on the schedule for the next round. Both sides emphasized that negotiations remain active, with the final tax rate to be set once a broader deal is reached. Taiwan stressed its commitment to a balanced trade partnership that protects national and industrial interests, as well as public health and food security.
Trump signals South Korea seeks trade agreement... South Korea is eager to strike a trade deal with the U.S., Trump said, highlighting ongoing negotiations and the broader context of his administration’s tariff policies. The Trump administration has imposed a 25% tariff on goods from South Korea, with a temporary pause in effect until Aug. 1 to allow for negotiations.
South Korea’s top trade envoy, Yeo Han-koo, indicated it may be possible to reach an “in-principle” trade agreement before the Aug. 1 deadline, as Seoul races to avoid a 25% tariff on its exports threatened by Trump. Following high-level talks in Washington, Yeo said there has been “considerable progress,” particularly around industrial cooperation, but acknowledged that “twenty days are not enough to come up with a perfect treaty that contains every detail.” Yeo signaled South Korea’s willingness to allow greater U.S. access to its agriculture and livestock markets, though “sensitive” areas may still require protection.
The U.S. is pressing for reductions or exemptions on tariffs in sectors such as autos and steel, which are crucial to South Korea’s economy.
U.S./Japan relations tested as tariffs and election collide... Tokyo’s relationship with Washington is under intense scrutiny this coming weekend as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent visits Japan, coinciding with a pivotal national election. The handling of trade negotiations by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has become a central issue for voters, reflecting broader anxieties about Japan’s economic future and its alliance with the United States.
The U.S. recently announced a 25% tariff on Japanese imports, effective Aug. 1, escalating tensions and placing enormous pressure on Japanese negotiators to secure concessions — particularly for the vital automobile sector, which employs a significant portion of the Japanese workforce.
Despite initial optimism following Japan’s pledge to invest $1 trillion in the U.S., talks have stalled. The U.S. has pushed for Japan to open its agricultural markets and increase defense spending, while Japan has sought relief from auto tariffs and protection for its sensitive rice sector.
The trade dispute has become a flashpoint in the election, with Ishiba’s approach drawing criticism from both political opponents and business leaders. Some accuse him of mishandling negotiations and risking Japan’s economic interests, while others argue that Washington’s demands have left Tokyo with little room to maneuver.
The outcome of the election could reshape Japan’s negotiating posture and its broader relationship with the U.S. If Ishiba’s party loses its majority, a new government may take a different approach to the trade impasse, potentially complicating efforts to reach a timely resolution.
Meanwhile, both sides have signaled a willingness to continue talks, but with the tariff deadline looming and political pressures mounting, the stakes for Japan’s economy and its alliance with Washington have rarely been higher.
USDA expected to unveil major dairy industry shift in school nutrition... USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins is set to announce a landmark dairy industry initiative at USDA headquarters, joined by International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) leaders, Turkey Hill, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Martin Makary. The event — touted as a “major announcement” and accompanied by an ice cream social — will focus on strengthening food safety and nutrition in American schools.
The dairy industry, led by IDFA, has voluntarily committed to removing synthetic food dyes — including Red 3, Red 40, Green 3, Blue 1, Blue 2, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6—from all milk, cheese and yogurt products served in K-12 schools as part of federal school meal programs, effective the 2026-2027 school year.
The step, taken without new federal mandates, is being praised by USDA and health officials as a model for improving children’s nutrition through industry collaboration rather than regulation.
The joint presence of FDA and HHS signals a broader government campaign to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes across the national food supply — part of Secretary Kennedy Jr.'s drive to reduce chronic disease and improve child health through stronger food standards.
Rollins also reiterated support for reviewing federal dietary guidelines to allow whole milk back into schools, with possible policy revisions in the pipeline. The move is part of a wider federal push to “Make America Healthy Again,” prioritizing voluntary industry changes, higher nutrition standards, and improved food safety for children and families. The expected announcement highlights a growing trend toward industry-led reforms in U.S. food production and school nutrition, with agencies opting for cooperation over regulation to reach public health goals.