The US tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump on European cars imported to the US significantly damaged the EU car industry and spread uncertainty in the market.
On Tuesday, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met with automotive industry representatives to discuss the impact of US tariffs on cars, car parts, and commercial vehicles. They focused on gathering opinions and suggestions from the industry to figure out the best EU response to these measures.
Many participants shared their worries about the broader effects of these tariffs, especially the risk of trade shifting elsewhere. They pointed out the uncertainty these measures create for supply chains—which are especially critical in the automotive sector—since they cross the Atlantic and are key to how businesses currently operate. There was a shared feeling that lowering tariffs on both sides could be a solid way to negotiate a solution, and the European Commission is on board with that idea.
They also discussed opportunities for the EU and the US to work together to reduce non-tariff barriers to benefit both sides. They urged the European Commission to keep pushing forward with its competitiveness agenda, particularly by speeding up actions from the Action Plan on Automotive.
