EU Plans Strong Response to US Car Tariffs

In response to President Donald Trump's announcement of a 25% tariff on all foreign-made cars effective April 3, Germany's Economy Minister Robert Habeck called for a strong EU reaction, emphasizing the need for unity and negotiation to avert a tariff spiral. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that the tariffs would negatively impact businesses and consumers, and the EU is prepared to take proportionate counter-measures. Habeck stated that the tariffs would have adverse effects not just on German car manufacturers and the EU economy but also on American consumers due to rising prices. The UK currently plans no retaliatory measures as it seeks to maintain a better trading relationship with the US. Japan expressed its regret over the tariffs and called for an exemption based on its significant investments in the US. Meanwhile, Trump's administration warned of potential higher tariffs if the EU and Canada collaborate in ways perceived as harmful to the US economy.