Trump to impose tariffs on cars, trucks from European Union

President Trump announced Friday he is increasing tariffs on the European Union, accusing the bloc of not complying with its trade deal with the U.S.

In a Truth Social post, Trump said that starting next week, he will increase the tariffs on cars and trucks coming into the U.S. from the EU to 25 percent. 

“It is fully understood and agreed that, if they produce Cars and Trucks in U.S.A. Plants, there will be NO TARIFF,” Trump wrote. 

“Many Automobile and Truck Plants are currently under construction, with over 100 Billion Dollars being invested, A RECORD in the History of Car and Truck Manufacturing,” he continued. 

“These Plants, staffed with American Workers, will be opening soon – There has never been anything like what is happening in America today!” he said. 

Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a trade deal in July that set tariffs at 15 percent for European goods. The EU also agreed to purchase $750 billion worth of energy from the U.S. as part of that deal.

The agreement was notably lower than the 30 percent tariff Trump had threatened for the EU and avoided a trade war between the two sides.

In February, EU leaders said they would not accept an increase in U.S. tariffs in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling against some of Trump’s most wide-ranging tariffs. 

The new tariffs come against the backdrop of the Iran war, which has led to increased tensions between the U.S. and several European countries.

Trump has repeatedly criticized European members of NATO for not helping the U.S. effort against Iran, while European nations have refused to allow the U.S. to use their airspace at variousl points in the conflict.