EU Warns of Retaliation as Trump Pledges 25% Tariff on European Cars

A European Commission spokesperson said the bloc will take all necessary measures to protect its interests after Donald Trump announced plans to hike automotive duties next week. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied A staff member works on the car production line at the Stellantis multinational car manufacturer’s plant in Poissy, west of Paris, on April 15, 2026. (Photo by Simon Wohlfahrt / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google The European Union will take necessary measures to protect its interests if US President Donald Trump proceeds with new tariffs on EU cars, a European Commission spokesperson told Euractiv. “We remain fully committed to a predictable, mutually beneficial transatlantic relationship. Should the US take measures inconsistent with the Joint Statement, we will keep all options open to protect EU interests,” the EU official said. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . On Friday, President Donald Trump said he will raise US tariffs on cars and trucks from the European Union next week, claiming the bloc is not complying with an earlier trade agreement. The deal, struck last summer, capped US tariffs on EU automobiles and parts at 15%, lower than the 25% duty applied to many other trading partners. However, Trump said: “Based on the fact the European Union is not complying with our fully agreed Trade Deal, next week I will be increasing Tariffs charged to the European Union for Cars and Trucks coming into the United States.” “The Tariff will be increased to 25%,” he wrote on his Truth Social platform. The EU official said Brussels is implementing its commitments under the Joint Statement in line with standard legislative procedures, and has kept the US administration fully informed throughout. “We maintain close contact with our counterparts, including as we also seek clarity on US commitments,” the official added. Other Topics of Interest Hegseth Grilled Over Zeroing Out Ukraine Aid in 2027 Budget Lawmakers from both parties pressed Hegseth over delayed funds and compared the situation to the 1930s and Nazi Germany’s expansion, warning that dictators rarely stop when appeased. Trump did not provide further details on the planned increase, but the announcement came a day after he renewed criticism of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. He told Merz to focus on ending the war in Ukraine rather than “interfering” in matters concerning Iran. Germany would likely be among the hardest hit by higher tariffs on cars and parts, as it accounts for a significant share of EU automotive exports. See the original report from Sarantis Michalopoulos   here. Euractiv is a European news website focused on EU policies. It was founded in 1999 by the French media publisher Christophe Leclercq. The website's headquarters and central editorial staff are located in Brussels, with offices in Paris and Berlin.