Trump threatens to immediately raise EU car tariffs to 25 percent

Washington (ANTARA) - The United States is likely to soon impose a 25 percent import tariff on cars manufactured in the European Union if the bloc does not promptly ratify their trade agreement.

US Ambassador to the EU, Andrew Puzder, told Bloomberg that the measure would be taken in the near future unless substantial progress is seen in the negotiation process.

US President Donald Trump previously stated his intention to raise tariffs on cars and trucks from the European Union to 25 percent starting this week.

Trump argued that the European Union has not fulfilled previously agreed trade commitments. However, the United States has already imposed a 15 percent customs duty on most EU imports as part of the trade arrangement announced in July 2025.

Tensions have escalated further due to differing views between the US and the EU regarding deadlines.

Puzder explained that the EU’s target to finalise the agreement by July 2026 is considered unacceptable by Trump.

The US President demands much faster results and urges the European Union to move forward immediately.

Meanwhile, Bernd Lange, Chair of the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee, stated that the European Union wants to implement strict conditions in the trade agreement with Washington.

One such condition includes the possibility of cancelling or terminating the agreement if the United States recklessly introduces new tariffs midway.