Washington: US President Donald Trump has revealed plans to impose a 25% tariff on imported automobiles and parts, effective April 2. The new tariff will affect all cars and parts assembled outside the United States, while vehicles made domestically will be exempt from the levy. Trump described the day the new tariffs go into effect as “Liberation Day” and outlined plans for a “lenient” reciprocal tariff system.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump explained that the tariffs are part of his strategy to protect American jobs and wealth, stating, “We’re going to charge countries for doing business in our country and taking our jobs, taking our wealth.” The 25% tariff will apply to all imported passenger vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, crossovers, and light trucks, as well as key auto parts such as engines, transmissions, and electrical components. The administration has indicated the possibility of expanding the tariffs to additional parts if necessary.
A White House official stated that the tariffs are expected to generate up to $100 billion in revenue for the US. Trump also mentioned plans to impose tariffs on other foreign-made goods, including pharmaceuticals, as a significant portion of drugs available in the US are produced abroad, particularly in China and Ireland.
Regarding the reciprocal tariff system, Trump clarified that while the US will target all countries, the tariffs may not be as high as those imposed by trading partners on American goods. “We’re going to make it to all countries, and we’re going to make it very lenient,” Trump said, adding that many countries would be surprised by the tariff levels, which he described as lower than what other nations have imposed on the US over the years.
The new tariffs and trade policies come amid growing tensions over trade imbalances and economic competition. Trump’s administration continues to push for policies that prioritize American manufacturing and job creation, despite concerns from businesses that rely on international trade.
As the tariffs are set to take effect, it remains to be seen how other nations will respond, and whether the new measures will have a broader impact on global trade dynamics.