The U.S. will charge a 30% tariff on goods from the European Union and Mexico effective Aug. 1, President Trump said in letters to the trade partners’ leaders.

The EU and Mexico criticise Donald Trump after he says he will impose 30% tariffs on their exports to the US. Also: why Nicaragua is replacing pavements with concrete, and the British habit of saying sorry.

The United States will start charging 30% tariffs on August 1 on products coming into the country from the European Union and Mexico, President Donald Trump confirmed in separate letters Saturday.

European leaders sound off on the 30% tariffs U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose on the trade bloc.

The EU is prepared to take the necessary steps to safeguard its interests if the U.S. proceeds with imposing a 30% tariff on European goods starting Aug 1, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Saturday.

President Trump threatened a significant tariff hike on the European Union and Mexico, two of the largest U.S. trade partners, on Saturday. NBC News’ Yamiche Alcindor has more.

President Donald Trump posted letters to the leaders of Mexico and the European Union, saying they had not done enough to head off the new tariffs.

The European Commission responded to Trump's announcement in a written statement, saying it remains ready to reach an agreement, while also taking "necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures.