ACEA calls for dialogue to resolve US auto tariffs

Brussels – The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) has called on the European Commission to seek a “constructive, negotiated resolution” with the US over automotive tariffs.

The call was made during a high-level meeting with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and industry leaders, including the heads of BMW, Daimler Trucks, IVECO, Mercedes-Benz, Scania, Stellantis, and Volkswagen on 7 April.

The meeting discussed the far-reaching impact of recent US tariffs on European automotive, steel and aluminium exports, and urged the EU to “avoid countermeasures that risk damaging European competitiveness.”

According to ACEA, the 25% auto and auto part import tariffs and additional reciprocal tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump could potentially affect up to €80 billion worth of EU vehicle and parts exports to the US.

The association, therefore, underscored "the urgent need for transatlantic cooperation" to avoid further escalation and long-term harm to both economies.

“The ongoing volatility of global markets is only increasing trade barriers and costs for businesses,” said Sigrid de Vries, Director General of ACEA.

Tariffs, he went on to add, “do nothing but raise prices for consumers across Europe, the US, and the wider world.”

In addition to finding a solution to the trade conflict, the ACEA leader also called on the European institutions to “actively implement the Automotive Action Plan.”

This, according to De Vries will enhance competitiveness, reduce costs, alleviate the regulatory burden, and strengthen European manufacturing.

As reported by ERJ, the US government plans to impose 25% tariffs on the imports of cars from April, and car parts from May.

In addition to that, the White House has proposed a duty of 20% on imports from the EU as part of his ‘reciprocal tariffs’ strategy.

Those tariffs target countries that, according to the Trump administration, impose high duties on imports from the US and/or enforce non-tariff barriers to US trade.