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Trump to hike EU car, truck tariffs to 25% next week
๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡น Austria /Economy & Trade

Trump to hike EU car, truck tariffs to 25% next week

From Die Presse · (12m ago) German Critical tone

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • President Donald Trump announced plans to increase tariffs on cars and trucks imported from the EU to 25% starting next week.
  • Trump cited the EU's alleged failure to adhere to a previously agreed-upon trade deal as the reason for the tariff hike.
  • The move could significantly impact the German auto industry, which had previously suffered from US tariffs.

President Donald Trump has once again demonstrated his commitment to prioritizing American industry and jobs by announcing a significant increase in tariffs on European automobiles. This decisive action, communicated via his Truth Social platform, targets the European Union's alleged non-compliance with a trade agreement. The new 25% tariff, set to take effect next week, underscores a clear message: adherence to trade terms is non-negotiable.

This move is particularly significant for the German automotive sector, which has already faced considerable pressure from previous US tariffs. By raising the stakes, Trump aims to level the playing field and encourage global automakers to invest and produce within the United States. The exemption for vehicles manufactured in US plants highlights a strategic approach to boosting domestic production and employment.

I am pleased to announce that, given the fact that the European Union is not honoring our fully negotiated Trade Deal, I will be increasing the Tariffs on Cars and Trucks coming into the United States from the European Union next week. The Tariff rate will be 25%

โ€” Donald TrumpIn a post on the platform Truth Social, explaining his decision to raise tariffs.

While the EU and US had reached a comprehensive trade agreement in September 2025, its implementation has faced hurdles. Trump's announcement suggests a growing impatience with these delays and a firm stance on ensuring that any agreement is honored in full. The focus remains on creating a fair trade environment that benefits American workers and industries, even if it means confronting international partners on trade practices.

It is well known and agreed that there will be no tariffs when these vehicles are manufactured in US factories.

โ€” Donald TrumpExplaining the exemption for vehicles produced in the US.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Presse in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.