European and Mexican leaders have vowed all necessary measures to counter the latest tariff decision made by the Trump administration.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced Saturday morning that 30 percent tariffs will be imposed on the European Union and Mexico starting Aug. 1.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on the same day that Trump's move will disrupt important transatlantic supply chains and harm the interests of businesses and consumers on both sides.
The EU will take all necessary measures to safeguard its own interests, including reciprocal countermeasures when necessary, she said. European Council President Antonio Costa said on the same day that the tariffs would push up inflation, create uncertainty and hinder economic growth.
French President Emmanuel Macron also expressed strong opposition against the U.S. decision and called on the European Commission to demonstrate its determination to defend its own interests.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson condemned the move as a "unilateral escalation" and said the EU is prepared to respond with tough countermeasures if necessary.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Saturday said that Mexico will continue to negotiate with the U.S. to reach an agreement, but the country's sovereignty is not negotiable.
In a joint statement, the country's foreign affairs and economy ministries said the U.S. move was unfair and Mexico would defend its own interests.
EU, Mexico vow all necessary measures to counter US tariffs
Multiple states across Brazil have been gripped by an intense heatwave in recent days, prompting local authorities to issue weather alerts and urging residents to take precautions, with the high temperatures forecast to continue.
Southeastern states including Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Minas Gerais have been experiencing the most extreme heat, with temperatures climbing to a sweltering high of 40.8 degrees Celsius in Rio de Janeiro on Monday.
Authorities across the country have been sending out weather warnings, with residents being advised to avoid prolonged outdoor activities and medics reminding people to take measures to ensure they stay hydrated.
"[You have to] drink plenty of water, use a fan. There is not much you can do to escape it, really. It is absurdly hot," said Ana Flavia, a local resident in Sao Paulo.
"With this change in temperature and the excessive heat, we see a lot of cases of dehydration," said Tiago Foliate Pitirilo, a doctor from the city's Hospital Sao Camilo.
The sweltering heat may be around for a while more, according to experts, who say higher water temperatures in the Pacific Ocean mean Brazil is likely to face more frequent heatwaves this year.
"The ocean forecast indicates that in the second half of the year we will have a warmer Pacific Ocean. This allows us to infer that the number of heat waves in 2026 may be higher than last year, when the Pacific Ocean was cooler," said Marecelo Seluchi, a meteorologist from Brazil's National Center for Monitoring and Alerts for Natural Disasters (CEMADEN).
Brazil in midst of heatwave with more extreme temperatures expected
