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Trump announces 25% tariffs on imported cars: impact on US and Europe

US president imposes tariffs on car industry to boost domestic production as EU prepares to defend its economic interests

US President Donald Trump announced the introduction of duties of 25 per cent on all cars not produced in the US, starting on 2 April. The aim is to boost domestic production and recover some of the money that, according to the president, has been lost due to unbalanced trade agreements with other countries. ‘This is the beginning of the day of liberation in America,’ Trump declared, signing the executive order introducing this new measure.

Incentives for domestic production

Trump promised that the US automotive industry will see unprecedented growth, estimating that between USD 600 billion and USD 1 trillion will come in over the next two years. The president emphasised that companies producing cars in the US will not be subject to tariffs, thus encouraging both local and foreign companies to build production facilities on US soil.

Effects on car plants and trading partners

Many foreign car manufacturers have already started to build plants in the US, which could now expand their operations without additional costs. Trump mentioned Honda’s plan to build one of the largest plants in Indiana, stating that this kind of development would not have been possible without the new trade policies.

EU reaction: von der Leyen expresses concern

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed regret over the US decision to impose tariffs on European car exports. She pointed out that the automotive industry is an important source of innovation and high-quality employment, thanks to the integrated supply chains between Europe and the US. According to von der Leyen, duties are bad for business and worsen the situation for consumers in both the US and the EU.

Towards the 2 April deadline: US-EU confrontation intensifies

President Trump reiterated that the duty policy will be based on reciprocity, emphasising that the US will ‘tax those who tax them’. He accused the EU of benefiting from an unbalanced trade relationship for years, in which America suffered economic losses. Recently, Trump also called the Europeans ‘parasites’, in line with statements by Vice President JD Vance, which emerged in a chat revealed by The Atlantic.

As the 2 April deadline approaches, the tension between the US and Europe increases. As Trump continues with his hard line on international trade, the EU is preparing to defend its economic interests and the rights of its companies and workers. The future of the transatlantic trade relationship looks uncertain, with repercussions that could significantly affect the global automotive industry.

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