Zap // Remko de Waal, Guillaume Horcajuelo / EPA
Vehicles, airplanes, wines, luxury wallets. Products of European economy essential sectors risk being harshly affected by 30% rates announced this Saturday by the President of the United States, with an expected entry to August 1.
The US President, Donald Trumpthis Saturday announced the imposition of 30% rates on all products of the European Union and Mexico, from 1 August.
As rates on Two of the largest partners United States commercials have been announced on letters published by Trump on their social Truth platform.
“From August 1, 2025, we will charge the European Union a 30% rate over EU products sent to the USAregardless of all sectoral tariffs, ”reads the letter published in the Social Truth and addressed to the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.
Donald Trump justifies these customs taxes with what he considers to be a commercial imbalance Between the United States and the European Union, with prejudice to Americans.
According to the European Commission, the commercial relationship between the United States and the EU represents 30% of world trade, with an exchange of goods and services by 2024 of 1.68 billion euros.
Os pharmaceutical products These are the most exported goods in Europe to the United States (22.5% of the total in 2024, according to Eurostat, and are now exempt from the tariffs established by Washington.
Several pharmaceutical companies have already announced investments In the United States to reinforce its production in the country, while asking the EU a flexibility of its regulatory framework.
The United States is also a “key market” for the automotive industry European, which exported, in 2024, about 750,000 vehiclesfor a total value of 38.5 billion eurosaccording to the European Association of Automobile Builders (ACEA).
Germany produces most Of these exported vehicles, in particular the bell, SUV and sports models of brands such as Audi, Porsche, BMW and Mercedes.
In 2024, the United States represented 23% of Mercedes’ billing. The manufacturer also produces its SUV in the US, which then exports to other countries. These models can be affected by European reprisals.
Current American customs tariffs Already weigh considerably In the highly globalized aeronautical sector. Since March 12, a 25% surcharge to aluminum and steel imports In the United States, key materials for the aerospace industry.
Also, notice AFP, All products (including airplanes) imported of Europe must pay a Additional rate of 10%.
The deal that was under negotiation this week between the EU and the United States before Trump’s announcement on Saturday, should include exemptions For the sectors of Air Force, Alcoholic Beverages and Cosmetic Products.
O luxury sector It has remained relatively discreet in recent months about its reactions, but the impact of tariffs could be significant.
The world sector leader LVMH makes a quarter of its sales in the United States (and 34% of its wine and liqueur sales). The French group already has three Louis Vuitton studios in the United States and four of the American brand Tiffany.
Hermès, known for their own and silk scarves, had already informed that would make up the first rates “completely” Customs of 10% imposed in April by Donald Trump, increasing their sales prices in the United States.
But 30% are another storysays AFP.
The perfumes and cosmetics of French and Italian brands sell very well in the United States – where in 2024 L’Oréal made 38% of its annual revenue.
The company produces locally just under 50% Of the products it sells in the country, and what is imported from Europe corresponds mainly to luxury products such as Lancôme, Yves Saint Laurent and Armani.
The L’Oréal Director-General mentioned in April the possibility of moving “part” of production in the United States.
30% rates are also a Deadly blow to the “Made in Italy” foodsaid, this Saturday, the main Italian agricultural union, who fears an impact on consumer prices.
With 30%tariffs, additional taxes for certain ‘Made in Italy’ ’ would reach 45% for cheeses, 35% for wines42% for processed tomatoes, 36% for stuffed masses and 42% for jams and preserves, says the Italian union.
In the case of Francethe United States is the first international market for the wine and liqueur sector, with a total of 2024 of 3.8 billion euros.
“It would be a catastrophe for the entire sector, at a time when wines and liqueurs already face huge difficulties,” said AFP the director of the Fnsea Union Viticulture Section, Jérôme Despey. “We have frequently seen threats from the US; We ask the European Commission that it does not give in in the negotiation ”.
