Synopsis
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has expressed her disappointment over the US's decision to impose tariffs on European car imports. This decision follows President Trump's executive order imposing a 25% tariff effective April 2, affecting both businesses and consumers across the Atlantic.Key Takeaways
- Ursula von der Leyen regrets US tariffs on EU cars.
- New 25% tariff starts April 2.
- Tariffs impact innovation and jobs.
- Trump labels April 2 as "Liberation Day".
- Domestic cars face no tariff.
Brussels, March 27 (NationPress) European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen voiced significant disappointment regarding the United States' choice to implement tariffs on imported European automobiles.
Her comments followed US President Donald Trump signing an executive order that will impose a 25% tariff on car imports effective April 2.
"The automotive sector is crucial for fostering innovation, enhancing competitiveness, and creating high-quality jobs, with supply chains intricately linked across the Atlantic," von der Leyen stated.
She emphasized that tariffs "hurt businesses and adversely affect consumers" in both the United States and the European Union (EU).
"We will evaluate this announcement along with other potential measures the US is planning in the upcoming days," she mentioned, asserting that the EU will continue to pursue negotiated solutions while safeguarding its economic interests, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
President Trump has raised tariffs on imported cars and parts to 25% and suggested that the reciprocal tariff system starting April 2 will be “lenient.”
This new tariff will take effect on April 2, a date Trump refers to as "Liberation Day," when the reciprocal tariff structure begins.
"We intend to charge countries for conducting business in our nation and for taking our jobs, wealth, and other resources over the years," Trump stated during remarks from the Oval Office on Wednesday.
"We will impose a 25% tariff on all vehicles not manufactured in the United States. Vehicles made domestically will incur no tariff whatsoever."
The new tariff will apply to all cars and trucks manufactured abroad and sent to the US, which constitutes half of all vehicles sold in the US.
