Trade relations between the United States and the United States are developing into a new major crisis, after the decision to dramatically increase imports of European vehicles. This move provoked an angry reaction from Brussels, with the President of the International Trade Committee of the European Parliament, Berd Lange, characterizing the American side as an “unreliable trading partner”. “This latest move shows how untrustworthy the American side is,” he said indicatively.
At the same time, he pointed out that “this is not the way to deal with close partners”, while underlining that the European Union has no other choice but to respond “with maximum clarity and stability, using the strength of its position”.
It is recalled that in cars and trucks imported from the EU, he accused the European side of not respecting the trade agreement between them. For his part, Lange described Trump’s attitude as “unacceptable”, stressing that the Union is normally implementing the agreement reached last year in Scotland. This agreement provided for a 15% import tariff on most European products, helping to prevent a wider trade conflict.
At the same time, the President of the International Trade Committee of the European Parliament noted that the United States has repeatedly violated the agreement, citing as an example more than 400 products containing steel and aluminum, which are now subject to an average tariff rate of 26%.
“We will keep our options open to protect EU interests”
A representative of the Commission, in turn, told reporters that the EU abides by its commitments included in the Joint Declaration in accordance with established legislative practice, fully informing the US government throughout the process.
As the representative emphasized, “we maintain close contact with our counterparts, among other things, as we seek to clarify US commitments. We remain fully committed to a predictable and mutually beneficial transatlantic relationship. Should the US take action inconsistent with the Joint Statement, we will keep our options open to protect EU interests.”
In addition, it is underlined that these announcements by the American president are coming. Earlier, Donald Trump left open the possibility of withdrawing American troops from key European countries, such as Spain and Italy, while Germany is also in his sights.
“Huge cost”
The president of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) Hildegard Muller warned of “huge costs” and consequences for consumers as well – and in the US – referring to the new tariffs. Mueller also called on the US and the European Union to immediately start talks and honor their existing trade agreement.
“The cost of the additional tariffs will be huge for both the German and American auto industry in an already burdened era and will likely affect consumers in the US as well,” said the president of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA).
It is worth noting that the previous agreement involving 15% tariffs was “frozen” after the decision of the US Supreme Court that questioned the legality of the tariffs imposed by Washington in 2025, but also President Trump’s threats against Greenland. “The existing trade agreement must be honored by both sides. We urgently call on the EU and the US to start talks,” Hildegard Müller emphasized. She also commented that the American president’s announcements constitute a “new and serious burden on transatlantic relations”.
The German government, for its part, has so far refused to comment on the development.
Trump’s announcement on increasing tariffs
Donald Trump has announced a new tariff increase for the EU to 25% on cars and trucks. According to the US president’s post on Truth Social, the European Union is “not abiding by the trade agreement”.
«I am pleased to announce that, since the European Union is not abiding by our trade agreement, next week I will increase the tariffs imposed on the European Union on cars and trucks entering the United States.
The duty will increase to 25%. It is absolutely clear and agreed that if the cars and trucks are made in US factories, there will be NO duty. Many car and truck plants are currently under construction, with investments exceeding $100 billion, a RECORD in the history of car and truck manufacturing.
These factories, in which American workers will be employed, will soon be opened — Nothing like what is happening today has ever happened in America! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD TRUMP“, the American president wrote characteristically.
