The President of the German Automotive Association (VDA) stated that new duties constitute a “fatal message” for free trade rules
As “bad news for the German automotive industry, the German economy, the European Union, and the US,” Economy Minister Robert Hambek described the US President Donald Trump’s announcement of 25% of importing cars and “in importance”.
Sales of German cars in the US account for 13% of exports, followed by Britain with 11.3% and France with 7.4%. Indicatively, one in three Porsche and one in six BMW were sold in 2024 in the US.
“It is now important for the EU to give a decisive response to the duties – it must be clear that we will not retreat against the US. Power and confidence is needed, “Mr Habek said, noting that the announcements are not surprising and that the European Commission has already been prepared, in cooperation with the Member States. “At the same time, we will support the European Commission to continue negotiating a solution with the US, with the aim of preventing spiral duties,” the finance minister added, adding that duties are harming both the EU and the US and the world trade as a whole. Robert Habek also spoke of “bad news about German automakers, the German economy, the EU and the US” and explained that global supply chains would be disturbed and US cars would also become more expensive.
The German automobile industry, for its part, speaks of a “fateful message” on free trade -based rules.
On the part of the companies, the President of the German Automotive Association (VDA) Hildegard Muler said in the same spirit that new duties constitute a “fatal message” for free trade rules.
“The duties scheduled to come into force on April 2 have a significant burden on both companies and closely linked to the global car supply chain, with negative consequences, especially for consumers – even in the US. Additional duties will have a significant negative impact on EU exports to the US, “Ms Muler warned and called for immediate EU -US negotiations on a bilateral deal, as the US market is the most important for German car companies.
“The transatlantic partnership and free and fair trade are of great economic importance for both sides and guarantees growth, prosperity and jobs on both sides of the Atlantic,” the DVA president added.
Source: Skai
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