New customs duty move from the Trump administration against Europe
US President Donald Trump has decided to significantly increase customs duties on vehicles imported from the European Union. Harsh criticism from Brussels is creating a new trade crisis between the two sides.
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United States President Donald Trump has accused the European Union of failing to comply with trade agreement rules and announced that he will increase the customs tariff on European-origin cars and trucks from 15 percent to 25 percent. The taxes in question had been fixed at 15 percent under the US-EU trade agreement signed in 2025.
In a statement on social media, Trump said, "If European car manufacturers build factories in the US, no tariff will be applied." This new move by the White House is seen as certain to trigger a new wave of tension between the two sides.
The initial reaction from Brussels was quite harsh. European Parliament Committee on International Trade Chair Bernd Lange condemned the Washington administration's decision, stating, "This step shows how unpredictable the US is. This is not how you treat close allies."
EXTRA PRESSURE ON THE GLOBAL ECONOMY
The customs agreement implemented between the US and the EU last year set a 15 percent cap on tariffs in the automotive sector. However, following Trump's statements, comments that the agreement has been violated are on the agenda. It is stated that the new customs duties will create an additional burden on the European economy, which is already struggling with energy prices and regional tensions.
Rising energy costs and tensions in the Middle East have negatively affected fuel prices in Europe and the US. Annual inflation in the Eurozone rose from 2.6 percent in March to 3 percent in April, hitting a record high. It is reported that developments in the Strait of Hormuz, in particular, have played a significant role in the rise in oil prices.
SPECIAL EXEMPTION FOR THE UK
The harsh measures taken by America against Europe have brought with them a different approach toward the UK. The Trump administration has lifted the tax on Scotch whisky. This step is seen as a signal of a new rapprochement in relations between London and Washington. On the other hand, while Trump has made harsh criticisms targeting Italy and Spain, the military crisis with Germany is also being watched carefully regarding the future of relations between the two countries.