Donald Trump launches fresh 25% tariffs on car imports in latest attack on European Union

Felix Reeves
Sat, 02 May 2026 08:35:05 +0000

President Donald Trump has confirmed that he will launch new tariffs on automotive imports from the European Union after accusing the bloc of breaking trade deals.

The President of the United States took to social media site Truth Social to announce the new tariffs, which will be charged at a 25 per cent rate.

He stated that the tariffs charged to the European Union for cars and trucks coming to the United States will increase next week.

President Trump claimed that the EU was not complying with its trade deal with the United States, prompting the new tariff hikes.

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However, he clarified that any European manufacturers that produce their cars and trucks in the United States would escape any and all tariffs.

The United States auto sector will have more than $100billion (£73.5billion) invested, a record for the industry.

Mr Trump wrote: "I am pleased to announce that, based on the fact the European Union is not complying with our fully agreed to Trade Deal, next week I will be increasing Tariffs charged to the European Union for Cars and Trucks coming into the United States.

"These Plants, staffed with American Workers, will be opening soon - There has never been anything like what is happening in America today! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP."

The EU and US had previously agreed a tariff rate of 15 per cent on cars and car parts, down from an original 25 per cent rate.

The trade deal, which was agreed in July 2025, also reduced non-tariff barriers, including cooperation on automotive standards.

Donald Trump's decision to impose new tariffs on these vehicles has been met with strong backlash from opposition politicians.

German MP Bernd Lange, the EU Parliament's international trade committee chair, said: "This latest move demonstrates just how unreliable the US side is. This is no way to treat close partners.

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"Now we can only respond with the utmost clarity and firmness, drawing on the strength of our position."

The EU did not comment directly on the new tariffs, but insisted that it remains committed to last year's deal and would keep "options open".

President Trump also announced that he would pull 5,000 US troops from Germany in response to his ongoing spat with Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

This represents around one-seventh of US troops in Germany, with the European nation representing a significant stronghold for the United States.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed that the order had come from War Secretary Pete Hegseth and would take place over the next six to 12 months.

He added: "This decision follows a thorough review of the Department's force posture in Europe and is in recognition of theatre requirements and conditions on the ground."

Mr Trump also hinted that the US could pull troops from Spain and Italy, with the President describing the countries as being "horrible".