President Donald Trump Plans to Impose 25% Tariffs on EU Goods, Including Cars

U.S. President Donald Trump has reaffirmed his intention to impose tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico starting in April, following a month-long delay. Additionally, he has announced plans to levy 25% tariffs on goods from the European Union, including automobiles. While previous tariff threats have sometimes served as bargaining tools, it remains unclear whether this latest move is a negotiation strategy or a firm decision.

During his first cabinet meeting, which was open to the media, Trump stated that a detailed tariff announcement regarding the EU would be made “very soon.” He emphasized that the tariffs would apply broadly, including on cars. Expressing his stance on the EU, Trump claimed, “The European Union was created to take advantage of the United States—they’ve done a great job of it, but now I’m president.”

The United States remains the top export destination for EU goods, accounting for 19.7% of all exports from the bloc in 2023. Among these, automobiles ranked as the second-largest category, with exports to the U.S. totaling approximately €40 billion ($41 billion), second only to pharmaceutical products.

Also Read: Trump Plans to Announce Auto Tariffs by April 2 Amid Trade Tensions

Germany, as the EU’s largest exporter to the U.S., shipped goods worth $157 billion in 2023, with vehicles accounting for about $24.3 billion of that figure. In contrast, U.S. vehicle exports to Germany amounted to roughly $9 billion in the same period.

Responding to Trump’s claims, EU officials rejected the notion that the bloc was established to harm the United States. According to a statement cited by the BBC, the EU has, in fact, been beneficial to the U.S. economy.

Also Read: Trump’s Tariffs Could Cost U.S. Auto Industry $33 Billion, Analysts Warn

“We are open to partnership if the rules are followed, but we will always defend our businesses and consumers. That is our responsibility,” an EU spokesperson stated.

Meanwhile, Trump confirmed that after a temporary postponement, the planned 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico will take effect on April 2 as scheduled.