Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump announced that his administration will increase tariffs on cars and trucks imported from the European Union to 25 percent next week. He stated that this decision comes as a response to the European Union's failure to comply with a bilateral trade agreement with the United States. According to Yonhap News Agency, Trump made this announcement through a post on Truth Social. He emphasized that countries that produce automobiles in the United States would not face these tariffs. In his post, Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with the EU's adherence to the trade deal, which previously saw tariff reductions to 15 percent from an earlier rate of 27.5 percent. The announcement coincided with Trump's criticisms of NATO members for not responding to his request for increased naval support in the Strait of Hormuz. He specifically called for the deployment of warships to ensure the safe passage of merchant vessels through the strategic waterway. Additionally, Trump mentioned p lans under consideration regarding the possible reduction of American troops stationed in Germany. He indicated that this decision is under review, with an outcome expected in the near future. Trump also highlighted efforts to boost the American auto manufacturing sector, citing over $100 billion in investments resulting in new automobile and truck plants currently being constructed. He described this development as unprecedented in the history of car and truck manufacturing, stating that these new facilities staffed by American workers would soon commence operations. In a related note, South Korean automobiles are also subjected to a 15 percent tariff under a separate bilateral trade deal with the United States established last year.
Trump Announces 25 Percent Tariff Increase on EU Cars and Trucks