Berlin/Brussels (dpa) – The German automotive sector is amplifying its objections to the US-EU tariff agreement, particularly criticizing its unclear provisions. “The deal between the EU and the USA has yet to provide any clarity or benefits for the German automotive sector,” remarked the president of the Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), Hildegard Müller. A 27.5 percent tariff will persist on cars and auto parts.
This places a considerable strain on German car manufacturers and suppliers. “It is crucial that the anticipated agreement is finalized and the relief measures are executed swiftly,” Müller emphasized. For this to occur, both the EU Commission and the German government must exert significant effort.
On Tuesday, a Commission official indicated expectations for a prompt adjustment to the car tariffs. Following a framework agreement between US President Donald Trump and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen nearly two weeks ago, the EU had anticipated that a new 15 percent cap on nearly all imports would take effect on August 1.
In this context, there was particular hope that the existing special tariffs on cars and auto parts of 27.5 percent would be reduced to this new rate. However, this topic was not addressed in an executive order signed by the US President last week (August 7).
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