US Threatens 25% Vehicle Tariffs on EU Unless Trade Deal Ratified Soon

Key Details U.S. Ambassador Andrew Puzder warned the European Union that Washington will implement 25% tariffs on cars and trucks "relatively soon" if Brussels fails to ratify a long-delayed trade agreement. President Trump has already vowed to impose these levies, accusing the EU of stalling on a deal originally reached in July. Why It Matters A 25% car tariff would violate the original agreement's 15% ceiling on European products. The EU is frustrated with Trump administration moves it views as undermining previous commitments, including expanded metals tariffs affecting steel, aluminum, and other goods. The Standoff Puzder expressed impatience with nine months of negotiations, while EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic proposed July as a deadline for implementing main agreement provisions. Puzder signaled the White House wants faster action than that timeline. Next Steps EU negotiators are working this week to finalize amendments to the deal. The bloc has warned it's prepared to retaliate but prefers de-escalation and preserving the existing pact. The U.S. has partially implemented its side, but Europe has not yet done so.