Trump puts tariffs into force on cars - what does that mean for Europe?

Trump puts tariffs into force on cars - what does that mean for Europe?

President Donald Trump announced that on April 2, 2025, a set of 25 percent additional tariffs will come into force on all auto imports. This decision ensures concern within the automotive industry, both in the USA and in Europe. Trump emphasized that the rising prices for cars due to the new tariffs were "completely irrelevant" and showed no concerns about possible price increases for consumers. "Trump never said that carmakers should not increase the prices," reported OE24 .

The new customs not only affects cars, but also central vehicle parts that are charged as part of the trade goal. Trump's goal is to strengthen the United States as a production location and reduce trade deficits, since the USA imports more vehicles and parts than exporting. The tariffs are increased in addition to existing import taxes and also affects import dinia from Canada and Mexico, which can prove that part of the vehicle has been produced in the USA.

reactions to the customs increase

The German automotive industry could be significantly affected by these measures. Trump is targeted by the EU for its trade barriers and higher tariffs on US auto imports that are 10 percent. According to ZDF it is to be feared that the prices for new cars in the USA, which could be on average $ 50,000, could increase by several thousand dollars. Experts see a possible burden on the overall economic situation, with estimates from a possible decline in gross domestic product in Germany by up to 0.3 percent.

Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck described the tariffs as bad news and called for a determined answer from the EU. In politics there are already demands for counter -sanctions. CDU foreign politician Norbert Röttgen advocated targeted measures, while Sahra Wagenknecht demands a reduction in US fracking gas on the European market.

economic effects and uncertainties

Economist Thomas Puls from the Institute of German Economy warned that these tariffs could have far -reaching consequences on the global supply chains. Companies such as General Motors who have close connections to Mexico could be particularly difficult. The uncertainty in the industry is reinforced by these customs changes, and it is feared that the sales of vehicles, in particular large SUVs and pick-up trucks, could decrease because they make up 80 percent of the new registrations.

According to a study, 86 percent of medium -sized companies in Germany expect negative consequences, with a third of the companies fear immediate effects. The first reactions on the stock exchanges show a tense mood because the stocks of American and Asian car manufacturers are under pressure. The effects of these tariffs will be particularly noticeable in the USA, with the German automotive industry, which exports a significant share of its vehicles to the USA, to prepare for a challenging period.

How the situation will develop remains to be seen, especially in view of the possibility that Trump could temporarily suspend the tariffs in order to start negotiations. However, his current statements did not indicate a willingness to negotiate how t-online The coming weeks will be crucial for the reaction of the EU and developments in the international automotive trade.