U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to raise tariffs on imported passenger and commercial vehicles from the European Union to 25% starting next week, despite a trade agreement reached last year. This decision has prompted a swift response from European Parliament officials.
Trump communicated his decision via his social media platform, citing that the EU has allegedly failed to adhere to the terms of the trade agreement.
“I am pleased to announce that, given that the European Union is not honoring our fully agreed-upon trade deal, I will be increasing tariffs on passenger and commercial vehicles imported from the European Union to 25% next week,” Trump stated.
He clarified that vehicles manufactured in American factories would be exempt from these tariffs.
“Many automotive and truck plants are currently being built, with over $100 billion invested, which is a record in the history of automotive and truck manufacturing. These plants, employing American workers, will soon open — nothing like what is happening in America today has ever occurred before,” he added.
Bernd Lange, the chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade, described the tariff increase as “unacceptable” and emphasized that the EU is complying with its obligations under the trade agreement while the U.S. is openly violating them.
“Trump’s plan to impose 25% tariffs on cars from the EU is unacceptable. The European Parliament continues to uphold the agreements made in Scotland while working to finalize legislation. While the EU fulfills its obligations, the American side continues to breach its commitments,” Lange remarked.
Lange further characterized the actions of the U.S. leader as a clear indication of unreliability and urged the EU to maintain clarity and firmness.
“From tariffs on over 400 categories of steel and aluminum products to tariffs on cars — this is a clear sign of unreliability. We have seen similar arbitrary actions before, even against partners. The EU must now maintain clarity and firmness,” he added.
In a statement to the media, the European Commission indicated that the EU is fulfilling its obligations under the Joint Statement according to standard legislative practices, keeping the U.S. administration informed at all stages.
“We maintain close contact with our American partners while seeking clarity regarding U.S. commitments. We remain fully committed to predictable and mutually beneficial transatlantic relations. If the U.S. takes actions inconsistent with the Joint Statement, we reserve the right to take necessary steps to protect EU interests,” the statement read.
It is noteworthy that on July 27, the United States and the European Union reached a trade agreement that established customs tariffs at 15%.
On July 12, President Trump announced that the U.S. would impose a 30% tariff on goods from the EU and Mexico starting August 1. At that time, Ursula von der Leyen warned of “proportional countermeasures” but noted that negotiations aimed at reaching an agreement would continue between Brussels and Washington.
President Trump plans to increase tariffs on EU automobile imports to 25%, citing alleged non-compliance with a trade agreement. European officials have condemned the move as unacceptable and indicative of U.S. unreliability in trade commitments.