Trump threatens to raise car tariffs on EU to 25 per cent

2 May 2026

US president Donald Trump has announced his intention to raise import tariffs on European cars and lorries to 25 per cent "from next week." He made the announcement via his social media platform, Truth Social. The current tariff stands at 15 per cent.

"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," he wrote. "The Tariff will be increased to 25 per cent."

Trump added that no import duty would apply to vehicles produced in the United States. He also noted that "many Automobile and Truck Plants" are currently under construction on US soil, backed by over 100 billion dollars in investment.

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Brussels pushes back

A European Commission spokesperson responded that the EU was "implementing its joint statement commitments in line with standard legislative practice, keeping the US administration fully informed throughout."

The spokesperson added that the bloc remains "fully committed to a predictable, mutually beneficial transatlantic relationship", and warned that should the US take measures inconsistent with the joint statement, the EU would "keep its options open to protect EU interests."

"While the EU delivers, the US side keeps breaking its commitments"

Bernd Lange, the Socialist chair of the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade, reacted sharply. In a post on X, he described Trump's plan as "unacceptable." "While the EU delivers, the US side keeps breaking its commitments," he wrote. "We've seen these arbitrary moves before, even towards partners. The EU must now keep clarity and firmness."

It remains unclear what prompted Trump's change of course. His announcement comes just weeks after the European Parliament ratified the trade deal, having previously suspended the approval process over Trump's threats regarding Greenland. Last week, European Trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič made a three-day visit to Washington, where he held talks with senior trade figures in the Trump administration.