GreenergyDaily

Mar. 27, 2025

1. US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation to implement a 25% tariff on auto imports.

2. The auto tariffs will come into effect at 12:01 a.m. Washington time on April 3, initially targeting fully assembled vehicles. By May 3, the scope will expand to include major automobile parts like engines, transmissions, powertrain components, and electrical systems, with the potential to broaden further as necessary, according to the proclamation.

3. Trump cast the tariffs as “permanent” and said he was not interested in negotiating any exceptions.

4. The EU swiftly criticized Trump’s latest move, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warning that Europe would defend its economic interests while continuing to pursue diplomatic solutions.

5. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said the US tariffs are a “direct attack” on people who work in the auto industry and violate the US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement.

6. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said he won’t rule out countermeasures against auto levies, while South Korea’s government said it will come up with emergency measures to help the auto industry.

7. China's Foreign Ministry warned on Thursday that trade and tariff wars benefit no one and that no country can achieve lasting development and prosperity through protectionist measures.