EU Denies Offering Reduced Tariffs on U.S. Cars

Brussels (Eurotoday) – The European Union has clarified that it has not yet made any specific offer to lower tariffs on imported US cars as it seeks to avoid a potential trade conflict with President Donald Trump.

In a questions and answers session on the US reciprocal tariff policy, the European Commission stated that “any tariff reductions must be mutually beneficial and negotiated within a fair and rules-based framework.”

According to reports, European Commissioner for Trade Maros Sefcovic is also scheduled to visit the US for meetings with Trump’s commerce secretary, Howard Lutnick, his trade representative candidate Jamieson Greer, and Kevin Hassett, Trump’s chief economic adviser. The trip was confirmed by commission spokesman Olof Gill.

How is the EU responding to Trump’s trade demands?

The European Commission highlighted that the US imposes a 25% tariff on pickup trucks, which make up a significant portion blank”>of the US auto market, accounting for nearly one-third of total vehicle sales. The EU also pointed out that despite Trump’s complaints about a substantial trade deficit with the EU, when both goods and services are considered, the EU actually runs a “small” surplus with the US of €48 billion, or about 3% of total US-EU trade.

As part of a broader effort to enhance bilateral cooperation, the EU has expressed willingness to import more liquefied natural gas and potentially increase purchases of US weapons. “The EU is ready to find mutually beneficial solutions with the US on tariffs,” the commission stated.

During his recent announcement on reciprocal tariffs, Trump suggested that the European Union had already reduced its car tariffs. While the EU denied this claim, his statement indicates that auto tariffs remain a key issue on his agenda. Additionally, Trump has imposed tariffs of 25% on steel and aluminum imports and has floated the possibility of higher auto tariffs.

Trump continues to push for the European Union to lower tariffs on US cars, which currently stand at 10%, compared to the US’s 2.5% tariff on European vehicles.