US President announces that surcharge will start on April 2 for imported vehicles
US President Donald Trump (Republican) said he will apply 25% tariff over imported cars from 2.ab.2025. The announcement was made on Tuesday (19.Fev.2025), in Palm Beach, Florida. The measure will also affect imports of medicines and semiconductors, aiming to press manufacturers to install factories in the United States.
The new rates intensify trade disputes with international partners. The (EU) charges 10% tax on imported vehicles, while the United States apply 2.5% to passenger cars. The US maintains 25% tariff over imported pickup trucks, except those of Mexico and Canada.
The EU Chief of Commerce, Maros Sefcovic, will meet with US authorities in Washington on Wednesday (20.FEV.2025) to discuss the measures. Trump says the EU has already signaled reducing US car tariffs, but European parliamentarians deny the statement.
Medicines and semiconductors will start at 25%, with increases throughout the year. Trump did not set date to start this specific surcharge. The former president says he will give companies in these sectors to establish operations in the US.
Since his inauguration in January, Trump has imposed 10% tariff on China imports. He also announced and postponed for 30 days 25% tariffs on Mexico products and non-energy imports in Canada. The former president also determined 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imported from 12.mar.2025.
In 2018, the US Department of Commerce investigated car imports and concluded that they weakened the national industry. Trump threatened to impose 25%tariff, but did not make the measure at the time.
