Germany leads resistance against U.S. Auto tariffs

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Thursday, March 27th, 2025

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Rki.news
BERLIN, March 27 – Germany has vowed to stand firm against U.S. President Donald Trump’s new 25% tariffs on imported cars and auto parts, calling for a strong European response.

German Economy Minister Robert Habeck declared that the European Union “must respond firmly,” emphasizing that Germany “will not give in” to economic pressure. France and Canada echoed this stance, with French President Emmanuel Macron branding the move “a waste of time” and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney calling it a “direct attack” on the industry.

The tariffs, set to take effect on April 2, have rattled global markets, causing automaker stocks to drop, including General Motors (-7%) and Ford (-2%). Mexico, Japan, and Germany—key car suppliers to the U.S.—warn of economic disruptions.

European leaders have urged Trump to reconsider, warning of inflation, job losses, and retaliatory tariffs. Meanwhile, China condemned the tariffs as a violation of WTO rules.

Despite global backlash, Trump insists the tariffs will boost U.S. manufacturing. Hyundai, responding preemptively, announced a $21 billion investment in the U.S., a move Trump praised as proof of his policy’s success. However, analysts caution that prolonged trade tensions could severely impact global markets.