U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the possibility of introducing 25% tariffs on imported cars, semiconductors, and pharmaceutical products. According to him, this measure aims to protect American manufacturers and address trade imbalances.
Speaking at a press conference in Florida, Trump emphasized that the European Union has long pursued an unfair trade policy toward the United States. He stated that he intends to make a final decision by April 2, allowing foreign companies time to relocate production to the U.S. to avoid additional tariffs.
The president also expressed satisfaction with the reduction of car tariffs in the EU. According to him, they now stand at 2.5%, matching the U.S. rate.
Trump has long criticized the U.S. trade deficit, which he claims has reached $350 billion. He stressed that Europe and other countries do not import enough American goods and vowed to rectify the situation.
Meanwhile, European officials have expressed their willingness to negotiate with the White House to find a trade compromise. European Commission Vice President Maroš Šefčovič stated that the EU seeks to avoid new tariffs and is open to discussing possible reductions or eliminations of existing ones.
Earlier, in February, Trump announced the introduction of new tariffs, citing the need to reduce the U.S. trade deficit. At the beginning of his second term, he had already raised tariffs on Chinese goods as well as on imports of steel and aluminum.
However, economists warn that such measures could lead to higher consumer prices, as import costs are often passed on to buyers.
