Red alarm level: US tariffs endanger the Austrian auto industry!
Red alarm level: US tariffs endanger the Austrian auto industry!
The announcement of special tariffs on automobiles by the US government has triggered concern in the Austrian auto supply industry. On March 27, 2025, Hansjörg Tutner, Deputy Chairman of the Association of the Vehicle Industry (WKÖ), expressed that the tariffs were to be classified as "particularly threatening". The possible measures could not only endanger domestic production, but also have far -reaching negative effects on the entire industry, as Gabriel Felbermayr, director of the WIFO, emphasized.
The planned regulation provides for tariffs of 25% on cars that have not been manufactured in the USA. This could affect companies such as BMW, which is represented both in Austria with a large engine plant in Steyr and in the USA with an important work in Spartanburg, South Carolina. According to estimates, the auto supply industry in Austria generated a production value of 28.5 billion euros in 2024 and employs over 81,000 people.
trade conflict between the EU and the USA
In order to defuse the trade conflict, various actors demand a dialogue between the EU and the USA. Tutner emphasizes the need for such conversations to avoid trade conflicts. In this context, Economics Minister Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer (ÖVP) warned of the negative consequences of a trade war and suggested that the EU will confidently appear as the largest internal market. He also called for possible special taxes on US platforms.
The EU has already reacted to the impending tariffs. Maroš Šefčovič, EU Commissioner for Trade Questions, held talks in Washington D.C. With US trade representatives, including Minister of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Trade Commissioner Jamieson Greer. These conversations were described as "intensive" and aimed at achieving a fair deal instead of enforcing unjustified tariffs. Šefčovič emphasized that the "hard work continues".
reactions and demands
NEOS European MP Anna Stürgkh demands a strong and determined response from the EU to the tariffs. In addition, the ARBÖ warns that the car purchase for consumers should not be more expensive because there are already many taxes. The Verkehrsclub Austria (VCÖ) calls for an united EU position towards the United States and the diversification of sales markets to minimize the risks.
In a debate about the effects of these tariffs, leading EU MPs expressed the need to continue the transatlantic cooperation after Trump's re-election in November 2024. The European Parliament was ready to contribute to strengthening transatlantic relationships. Bernd Lange, Chairman of the Committee on International Trade, pointed out the possibility of counter -tariffs, while Sophie Wilmès, deputy chair of the parliamentary delegation for relationships with the United States, emphasized the importance of deterrent against tariffs
Overall, the tensions between the USA and the EU are on trade questions and tariffs on the way to a solution that could be an advantage for both companies and consumers. However, the Austrian car supply industry remains in the queue while negotiations progress.
For more information, read the reports from Süddeutsche.de and DetailsOrt Vienna, Österreich Quellen