Trump wielded the threat of higher tariffs for reasons unrelated to trade as soon as he returned to the White House, threatening Colombia with a 25% surcharge because it opposed the repatriation of undocumented migrants detained in the US. Colombia eventually relented.

European leaders had been trying to negotiate more favorable terms for months. They may retaliate with tariffs of their own.

President Trump escalates his trade war, imposing new tariffs on Mexico and the EU. The move raises concerns about rising consumer prices and economic uncertainty.