Trade dispute
VDA: US tariff massive stress on the auto industry
Trump makes you serious. The first thing to do is meet his new tariffs imported cars. The German manufacturers are horrified.
The Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) expects the tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump. The measures “mark a fundamental trade policy cut,” said VDA President Hildegard Müller. “The announced measures are also a massive burden and challenge for both companies and the global supply chains of the automotive industry.”
The consequences of the 25 percent tariffs, which apply on cars from today, are still to be assessed, Müller continued. “It is already clear that this development will have a negative impact on economic growth worldwide. This will also affect jobs.”
The EU is now required to be closed “and to appear” with the appropriate strength “, but at the same time must continue to show a continuation of negotiation, Müller demanded. “The EU must now be advocate for free and fair global trade. Germany and Europe’s economy needs strong alliances and reliable networks.”
The United States is the most important export market for the German auto industry. According to VDA, almost 450,000 vehicles from German production were exported to the USA in 2024. This makes the country the most important market abroad. Almost every fourth Porsche was sold in the USA, at BMW and Mercedes the proportion was a good 16 percent each, and 8 to 12 percent for Audi and the VW brand.
dpa
Source: Stern
