New Transatlantic Trade Deal ‘Burdens’ German Auto Industry, Warns Group

German carmakers avoided 30 percent U.S. tariffs under a new EU trade deal, but say the 15 percent levy will still cost them ‘billions annually.’

Cars of different brands destined for import or export stand at the automotive terminal of Bremerhaven port in Bremerhaven, Germany, on April 22, 2025. Focke Strangmann/Getty Images

Germany’s car industry has said that the new EU–U.S. trade deal will “burden” automakers with billions in extra costs.

The 15 percent U.S. tariff on European car imports will hit hard, warned Hildegard Mueller, president of Germany’s main auto industry group, the VDA, adding to the woes of Europe’s industrial powerhouse, which is already creaking under serious strain.