Trump’s tariff increase on European vehicles to 25% is expected to cause new friction in US relations with the EU.
Specifically, the sudden increase in tariffs by Donald Trump on European vehicles to 25% from the current 15% represents another blow to relations not only between the US and the EU, but also with Germany following Chancellor Friedrich Merts, who called the US “humiliation” in negotiations with Iran.
Brussels’ response
For its part, the Commission appears cautious, avoiding an immediate escalation of the confrontation with Trump.
A spokesman said that “the EU is implementing the agreement reached last summer between Ursula von der Leyen and Trump in Scotland, in accordance with the normal legislative procedure, keeping the US administration fully informed“. At the same time, he stressed that “the EU will keep its options open to protect its interests” should the US fail to honour its commitments.
“Unacceptable” US stance
The reaction from the European Parliament was sharper. The chairman of the International Trade Committee, Bernd Lange, called the threat “unacceptable“. “Trump’s plan to impose 25% tariffs on European cars is unacceptable. While the EU keeps its commitments, the US continues to violate them,” he said.
