Is the transatlantic trade war averted? A possible agreement on a 15%rate between the EU and the USA is currently causing a stir-especially in the automotive industry. Particularly exciting: it is still unclear whether vehicles and auto parts would also benefit from this agreement. For manufacturers such as Tesla who rely on European and American supply chains, this could have a major impact.
Commercial agreements should prevent escalation
After the recently tightened import duties to EU products, the European economy reacted quickly after Donald Trump's recently tightened import duties. In Brussels, intensive discussions are currently underway about a new trade agreement for the most import goods a flat rate of 15% should provide.
The background: Trump threatens a general 30%inches on EU goods, should not agree. As a counter-reaction, the EU is planning import duties on US products in the scope of Over 90 billion euros. This could include cars, planes and whiskey - with the appropriate damage to both sides.
What does that mean for the auto industry?
The central question: Does the 15%also apply to cars and auto parts? So far, Trump has proven them particularly strongly with tariffs - up to 25% on vehicles, up to 50% on steel, aluminum and possibly copper soon. It is currently still open whether the new agreement enables a reduction in these special tariffs.
For European car manufacturers like Volkswagen, BMW or Mercedes-Benz -but also for Tesla, which his model Y from the plant in Grünheide (Germany) exports to the USA-a fixed 15%rate would be one Clear step towards predictability And against excessive penalty tariffs.
EU could react with anti-compulsory measures
In addition to classic tariffs, the EU is also preparing for the use of the so -called Anti-coercion instruments (ACI) before. This allows targeted countermeasures such as New taxes, investment restrictions or market bans for certain US companies -provided that a majority of the EU member states are correct.
A use of the ACI would be a novelty in EU trade policy-but shows how serious the situation is assessed.
How strong would the economic effect be?
Economic experts like Andrew Kenningham from Capital Economics assume that a 15%rate EU production would only reduce by about 0.3%. That sounds low at first, but would have Noticeable effects on individual industries, in particular the high -export automotive industry.
Conclusion: trade compromise with an open outcome
The discussions between the EU and the USA are currently promising - but in the end the decision is with Donald Trump. The uncertainty remains: will there be a flat rate of 15%and will it also apply to cars?
The situation is also relevant for Tesla fans and e-car enthusiasts: If the Model Y from Berlin will get to the USA with cheaper tariffs in the future, delivery times and market prices could shift. We keep an eye on the topic for you.
