Bernd Lange Speaks Out on U.S. Tariff Policy
Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade, has condemned President Donald Trump’s decision to raise tariffs on European Union automobiles, calling the move unacceptable. He emphasized that the EU has been fulfilling its commitments under the trade agreement with the United States, while Washington is violating those terms. Under the Trump administration’s plans, tariffs on passenger cars and trucks imported from the EU are set to increase to 25% next week.
The U.S. Supreme Court has already determined that Donald Trump violated federal law by unilaterally imposing sweeping tariffs. The court found that the new duties exceed legal limits. Compounding the situation, the U.S. has also begun collecting a new temporary global import tariff of 10%, with the Trump administration working to raise that rate to 15%.
Bernd Lange stressed that 'Trump’s plan to impose 25% tariffs on EU cars is unacceptable.'
Furthermore, the U.S. administration is launching a global investigation targeting China, the EU, and a dozen other countries, which could have serious consequences for international trade. Lange also noted that 'we have seen such arbitrary moves before, even against partners.' He called on the EU to maintain a clear and firm stance in response to these actions.
Tariff Fallout and Rising Tensions in Global Trade
Bernd Lange’s remarks highlight the growing strain in EU-U.S. relations, which could escalate into broader trade conflicts. The tariff hikes may negatively impact the automotive industry on both sides, as well as the broader economy. Meanwhile, the global investigation into other nations could trigger additional trade friction, threatening the stability of international markets.