EU OEMs Lobby Bloc to Negotiate on Tariffs

European automakers urged the European Union to constructively approach U.S. trade tariffs in order to avoid “further escalation.”

Carmakers that include BMW, Stellantis and Volkswagen pressed the European Commission, the union’s executive arm, to mitigate effects of the tariffs on the continent’s auto industry.

The companies met with commission President Ursula von der Leyen last week to discuss the 25% tariffs on imported vehicles, as well as new U.S. duties on steel and aluminum imports. Those don’t include “reciprocal” country-based tariffs the Trump administration imposed on other imports or duties on imported auto parts scheduled to take effect on May 3.

Leading automaker trade group, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, or ACEA, estimates that as much as $76 billion worth of its automotive exports are affected by the auto tariffs.

“The ongoing volatility of global markets is only increasing trade barriers and costs for businesses. Tariffs do nothing but raise prices for consumers across Europe, the United States, and the wider world,” said ACEA Director General Sigrid de Vries. 

“Not only is it essential that European and American leaders urgently find a solution to the ongoing trade conflict, but it is imperative that the European institutions actively implement the Automotive Action Plan, to enhance competitiveness, reduce costs, alleviate the regulatory burden, and strengthen European manufacturing.”               

The group is urging the European Union to avoid the kind of retaliatory tariffs already imposed on the U.S. by China and Canada, urging the European Union, pressing it to negotiate with the U.S. to “avoid countermeasures that risk damaging European competitiveness.”