The United States plans to move forward with raising tariffs on European Union car imports to 25%, a senior trade official has said, signaling a further escalation in transatlantic trade tensions.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer says the administration will proceed with President Donald Trump’s plan, despite ongoing discussions with European counterparts.
“I’ll continue to have those conversations, but the president’s moving forward with this action,” Greer said, adding that the tariff increase is “one part of the deal.”
The move follows Trump’s announcement that tariffs on cars from the European Union would rise to 25% from the previously agreed 15%, citing what he described as non-compliance with a bilateral trade agreement.
The European Commission rejects the claim, saying the bloc is meeting its obligations and warning it will consider measures to protect its interests if the US proceeds.
The announcement comes amid broader tensions between Washington and European capitals, including disagreements over the conflict involving Iran and security commitments in the Middle East.
