“We are going to charge countries that do business in our country and take our wealth. In what looks like a declaration of economic war, Donald Trump announces that all cars that are not made in the United States will now be taxed up to 27.5 % (2.5 % current more than 25 %).
A new step in the customs duties race launched by the American president since the start of his mandate, which will come into action on April 2, baptized “Liberation Day”.
Germany panic, France can breathe
“Very bad news” for the French Minister of Economy Eric Lombard, who calls for a European response, which Berlin wishes “firm”. Indeed, it is above all Germany which is targeted by this measure, as the first exporter of cars worldwide, and 25 % of these exports which join the United States, fans of their high-end models.
On the other hand, France has little to fear from this measure, since we export very few vehicles in the United States (0.1 % of American automobile imports are French according to the Trade MAP tool). Asked about the question this Thursday on France Info, the economist Flavien Neuly assures him, no need to panic: “Our French production sites will be very little affected. We export little and even less to the United States. »»
The Renault group, for example, will be mainly spared because it does not sell cars in the United States. But the implementation of these customs duties could stop at its development plans of its Alpine brand in the United States.
On the other hand, this decision by Donald Trump risks touching the French group Stellantis, which holds, among other things, the American brands Chrysler and Jeep, which make part of their cars in Mexico.
Even the Americans will be affected
If Donald Trump says he wants above all to protect the United States with this decision, American buyers are likely to see prices increase, especially because some brands buy their spare parts abroad. “These spare parts will be affected by customs duties” assures Flavien Neuly who finds the “counterproductive” measure.
All about Donald Trump’s latest measures
Elon Musk and his brand of Tesla electric cars is also likely to undergo this increase in customs duties, the billionaire having assured on X that Telsa was not “spared” by the situation, and that the impact would be “significant”. Donald Trump explained that Elon had not been included in these discussions, to avoid a “conflict of interest. »»
(Tagstotranslate) News (T) Economy (T) Donald Trump (T) customs (T) United States