On March 11, 2025, a Volkswagen (VW) Passat R Car (L) and a golf GTI car are depicted at the Tower Storage Facility of German car manufacturers Volkswagen at the company’s headquarters in Wolfsburg.
Ronnie Hartman | AFP | Getty images
Germany’s economy minister and auto industry planned to implement US President Donald Trump’s plan 25% tariff on US car imports widespreadSaying that this step sends a “fatal signal” to free and rule-based business.
Trump said on Wednesday that he would implement tariffs on all vehicles imported in the US and foreign -made auto parts imported in the US as part of measures to be implemented from April 2.
Duties that coincide with one Even widespread push on the levy From next week, already represents a major growth in a global trade war.
The German economy minister Robert Habek asked the European Union to provide a “decisive response” to Trump’s latest tariff declaration, Levi said “eventually damages the US and the European Union, and global trade as a whole.”
Habec said in a Google-translated statement on Thursday, “Announcement of high tariffs on cars and car parts is for German car manufacturers, for the German economy, for the European Union, but also for America.”
He said, “It is now important that the European Union gives a decisive response to tariffs-it should be clear that we will not return to America’s face. Strength and confidence require,” he said.
European auto stocks were traded rapidly on Thursday morning, Monitor auto loss in Asia Overnight.
French car parts supplier Velio Trade at the time of London at around 10:30 pm (ET) 5% below, while matching listed Descendant And Germany Porsche Nearly 4%fell.
The German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) President Hildegard Muller (VDA), President of the Hildegard Mueller (VDA), announced a US tariff in addition to 25% on all passenger cars and light commercial vehicles manufactured in the US. Said In a statement on Wednesday.
“Tariffs, which are determined to be effective on April 2, will put a significant burden on both companies and the close interviews of the automotive industry – with negative results, especially for consumers – with negative results – in North America,” Muller said.
VDA’s Muller underlined the economic importance of free and fair trade on both sides of the transatlantic partnership and called for an immediate conversation between the US and the European Union on a bilateral agreement.
“Risk of global trade struggle – with negative effects on global economy and development, prosperity, jobs and consumer prices – is high on all sides,” Muller said.
‘Inappropriate’
Analysts have done earlier Wags Germany’s auto sector is largely exposed to the American tariff, given that the country was at some distance – the largest exporter of passenger cars to the US in 2023.
Germany Voxwagen, Mercedes-Benz Group And BMW All benefits have been issued in recent months, citing economic weakness and dull demand in the world’s largest car market China.
Miguel Berger, German Ambassador to UK, Said Tariffs on motor vehicle imports in the US were “inappropriate” and attempt to restructure international trade “for the only advantage of investment in the US” “” “” “for the only advantage of investment in America”
Berger said on Thursday on the X social media platform, “Tariffs will cause heavy damage to industry and consumers. We need to be engaged in conversation and prepare for a strong, united response.”
On February 27, 2025, the works were appointed for cars for export stands on railway cars at Bremerheven Port before loading ships in Bremmerhavan, Germany.
Scene Gallup | Getty Image News | Getty images
The European Automobile Manufacturers Association (Acea) said it was “deeply worried” by Trump’s proposed auto tariff. Acea represents the choice of a car lobby group, BMW, Ferrari, Renault, Voxwagen And Volvo,
ACEA Director General Sigrid de Veeras said in a statement, “The European Union and America must engage in dialogue to find immediate resolution and harmful consequences of trade war to avoid tariffs.”
How did the vehicle manufacturers respond?
A BMW spokesman said that it is committed to reducing tariffs and trade obstacles between the European Union and the US, warning that a business struggle between these economic areas would “be no benefit.”
The BMW stated that its plant in Southburg, South Carolina is its largest plant worldwide and has served as an important place for the firm’s production network for more than 30 years.
The spokesperson said in 2024, the company said that the plant exported about 225,000 BMW vehicles with an export price of more than $ 10 billion, “this is once again the largest automotive exporter price in the US”.
The BMW brand logo can be seen on BMW Four-cylinder (also known as BMW Tower and BMW High-Rise), main administration building and vehicle manufacturer BMW’s landmark.
Picture alliance | Getty images
Meanwhile, Sweden’s Volvo cars said on Thursday that it was “looking at the effects of changes in tariffs declared by the Trump administration”.
Volvo Cars spokesperson told CNBC on email, “Volvo cars follow development in various markets including America. We follow government rules and pay all necessary duties on all parts required by all imported vehicles and laws.”
He said, “This is soon to comment at this level.”
French carmaker RenaultWhich is not present in the US market, said that this tariff is vigilant for development.
Renault -owned premium sportscar brand Alpine has earlier announced that she wants to expand her global footprint, one of the markets under consideration with the US.
“Alpine is keeping a close watch on the local situation to be able to assess the possibilities and conditions to enter the region,” said a Renault spokesman.
