European Commission vows to protect interests amid US car tariffs
- The U.S. plans to impose a 25% tariff on all foreign cars starting April 2, 2025.
- The European Commission and Spain's government are preparing responses to safeguard their economic interests.
- Both Teresa Ribera and Pedro Sánchez advocate for dialogue and cooperation to prevent economic fallout from the tariffs.
On March 27, 2025, in Madrid, Teresa Ribera, the Vice-President of the European Commission, addressed the looming tariffs imposed by the United States on foreign cars. The U.S. under President Donald Trump announced a significant increase in car tariffs, from 2.5% to 25% on April 2. The announcement raised concerns among European nations, particularly affecting Germany, the largest exporter of cars to the U.S. This decision is seen as detrimental not only to consumers but also to the automotive industry within Europe. Ribera conveyed the EC's commitment to respond appropriately by prioritizing European interests during negotiations. In a parallel development, Pedro Sánchez, the President of Spain, on March 28, urged Trump to reconsider these tariffs and engage in dialogue with the European Commission. He labeled the tariffs as 'nonsense' and indicated Spain’s readiness to defend itself against economic aggression. The Spanish government is drafting a National Contingency Plan aimed at supporting sectors most impacted by the tariffs, emphasizing that a trade war would yield no benefits and harm weaker economies, especially farmers and businesses. Sánchez stressed the need for coordination with European partners, highlighting Europe’s status as the world's leading trading bloc. He noted that when facing confrontational trade policies, Europe must respond decisively. He mentioned efforts to strengthen alliances with countries like Mexico, Chile, and nations within Asia and Latin America while reinforcing commitments to trade agreements, which he sees as vital to counteracting the detrimental impact of U.S. tariffs. In summary, both European Commission officials and Spanish leadership reiterated their stance on fostering dialogue, reinforcing that engagement would yield more prosperous outcomes compared to isolationist policies. They conveyed a strong message that Europe stands united in protecting its industries and consumers against perceived unfair trade practices, setting the stage for potential negotiations over the upcoming tariff implementation.