The US will lower its tariffs on EU automobile imports from 27.5% to 15%. Credit: Savvapanf Photo/ Shutterstock.com
The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) has expressed its support for the recent joint EU-US statement that provides further details on the trade agreement reached between the two nations.
The association, which represents major Europe-based vehicle manufacturers, said it is particularly encouraged by the announcement that the US will lower its tariffs on EU automobile imports from 27.5% to 15%.
This reduction is set to be implemented alongside the EU’s own procedures for reducing tariffs on American products.
Starting from 1 September, the agreement will also introduce a special regime for certain product groups.
These will only be subject to Most Favoured Nation (MFN) tariffs and include items such as cork, which are not readily available in the US, as well as all aircraft and aircraft parts.
While the ACEA has welcomed the clarity provided by the joint statement, it acknowledged that some technical aspects of the agreement are still pending.
ACEA director general Sigrid de Vries said: “This confirmation is a positive step that provides greater certainty for our industry. It is now crucial that the Commission proceeds to implement the EU’s commitments without delay, mitigating the tariff impact which already has cost automakers millions of euros in duties every day.”
The ACEA represents 16 major European vehicle manufacturers, including well-known brands such as BMW Group, Daimler Truck, Ford of Europe, and Volkswagen Group.
Last month, ACEA report revealed that a 13.2% decrease in new EU van registrations in H1 2025.
The downturn has been particularly pronounced in some of the largest markets, with Germany seeing a 14.7% drop in registrations.
France and Italy also experienced declines of 12% and 11.7%, respectively. However, there was a positive development in Spain, where new van registrations increased by 11.2%.
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