Trump Imposes 25% Tariffs on Cars, Escalating Trade War

Trump’s 25% Auto Tariffs Spark Global Backlash from EU, Canada, and Japan

United States President Donald Trump has imposed a 25 percent tariff on imported cars and car parts, further intensifying a growing trade war that has heightened tensions with key partners and allies.

Speaking at the White House on Wednesday, Trump defended the move, stating that the tariffs would “take back” money from foreign nations that have been “taking our jobs” and “taking our wealth.”

“They’ve taken so much from our country—both friends and foes. And, frankly, our friends have often been worse than our foes,” Trump said from the Oval Office, calling the measure “very modest.”

Describing the move as “exciting,” Trump, who has vowed to revitalize U.S. manufacturing, claimed the tariffs would “spur growth like you haven’t seen before.”

According to a White House fact sheet, the tariffs—set to take effect on April 2—aim to “protect and strengthen” the U.S. auto industry. The administration argued that excessive imports had “undermined America’s domestic industrial base and supply chains,” necessitating the new trade measures.