US President Donald Trump has announced a proposed 50% tariff on all goods imported from the European Union into the United States.

In a social media post on Friday, he stated, “Our discussions with them are going nowhere!” and declared that the new tariffs would take effect on June 1.

This move intensifies on most EU goods, which he later reduced to 10% until July 8 to allow for negotiations.

Additionally, Trump warned of imposing “at least” a 25% import tax on iPhones not produced in the United States.

“I have long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect their iPhone’s that will be sold in the United States of America will be manufactured and built in the United States, not India, or anyplace else,” Trump said.

“If that is not the case, a Tariff of at least 25% must be paid by Apple to the U.S.”

Since returning to the White House, President Trump has implemented and proposed multiple tariffs on nations worldwide, viewing them as a strategy to enhance US manufacturing and safeguard jobs from foreign competition.

A tariff is a domestic tax applied to goods entering a country, calculated based on the import’s value and paid by the importing business.

The possibility of increased tariffs on US imports has alarmed many global leaders, as it will raise costs and complicate efforts for businesses to sell goods in the world’s largest economy.

On Friday, Trump said the EU had 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,” he added.

Trump said there would be no tariff charged if the product was “built or manufactured in the United States”.

Trump’s warning to Apple follows the company’s announcement that it is relocating the production of most iPhones and other devices intended for the US market away from China.

Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, stated earlier this month that the majority of iPhones destined for the US will be manufactured in India in the coming months, with Vietnam serving as a key production hub for products like iPads and Apple Watches.

“I have long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect their iPhone’s that will be sold in the United States of America will be manufactured and built in the United States, not India, or anyplace else,” Trump said.

“If that is not the case, a Tariff of at least 25% must be paid by Apple to the U.S.”

On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, just a week after the United States granted asylum to nearly 60 white South Africans (Afrikaners), President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the White House hoping to ease tensions and strengthen ties between the two countries.

But instead of a smooth diplomatic exchange, U.S. President Donald Trump surprised Ramaphosa during a live press conference by repeating a widely debunked claim of a “white genocide” in South Africa.

During the Oval Office meeting, Trump told aides to “turn down the lights” before playing videos showing violence against white South African farmers. He showcased footage of opposition politicians singing inflammatory songs and drone images of Afrikaner graves, asserting these as evidence of targeted attacks.

What You Should Know About The Meeting 

White South African Genocide:

President Ramaphosa, taken aback by the unexpected presentation, maintained his composure and refuted the allegations. He emphasized that while crime does exist in South Africa, it affects all citizens regardless of race, and there is no government policy targeting white individuals. 

Ramaphosa highlighted that the narrative of a “white genocide” lacks credible evidence and is not supported by official crime statistics .

He pointed out the white members of his delegation, including golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen, and South Africa’s richest man, Johann Rupert.

“If there was a genocide, these three gentlemen would not be here,” Ramaphosa said.

Ramaphosa did acknowledge that there was “criminality in our country… people who do get killed through criminal activity are not only white people, the majority of them are black people”.

As Trump pressed the issue, Ramaphosa stayed calm and tried to work his charm by making a joke about offering a plane to the US.

He invoked the name of anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela, saying South Africa remained committed to racial reconciliation.

Trade Relations:

Before the meeting, President Ramaphosa had said his main goal was to improve trade relations with the U.S. South African exports to the U.S. are currently facing a 30% tariff, which will take effect once a pause on Trump’s earlier import tax plan ends in July.

The need to preserve South Africa’s eligibility under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which allows duty-free access to the U.S. market for certain goods.

Despite the detour caused by Trump’s allegations, Ramaphosa used the opportunity to emphasize South Africa’s commitment to fair trade, economic reform, and international cooperation.

G20 Summit:

President Ramaphosa expressed a desire to strengthen the relationship between South Africa and the United States. He expressed optimism about President Trump’s attendance, stating his expectation that the U.S. would participate in the summit. 

Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of collaboration on global challenges, such as economic stability, climate change, and health crises. Ramaphosa viewed the consecutive G20 summit scheduled to be held in Johannesburg in November 2025 as an opportunity for aligned leadership on the global stage.

Land Reform Policies: 

President Trump raised concerns about South Africa’s land reform initiatives, particularly the expropriation of farmland without compensation. He expressed apprehension that such policies might adversely affect white farmers and foreign investors. 

“But you do allow them to take land, and then when they take the land, they kill the white farmer, and when they kill the white farmer nothing happens to them.” Trump said. 

“No,” Ramaphosa responded.

The US leader seemed to be referencing that Malema and his Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, which is not part of the government, have the power to confiscate land from white farmers, which they do not.

A controversial law signed by Ramaphosa earlier this year allows the government to seize privately-owned land without compensation in some circumstances. The South African government says no land has been seized yet under the act.

In response, President Ramaphosa reaffirmed his government’s commitment to a constitutional and lawful process of land reform aimed at addressing historical inequalities while ensuring food security and protecting property rights