Germany’s automotive industry association is welcoming the European Parliament’s decision to approve a trade agreement between the European Union and the United States, though the group says trade barriers remain far too burdensome — especially for commercial vehicle manufacturers.
The VDA, Germany’s automotive trade organization, issued a statement Tuesday saying the EU-US deal must now be formally adopted by the European Council without delay.
“Reliable operating conditions are of paramount importance to our companies,” VDA President Hildegard Mueller said, noting that the current 15% U.S. tariff rate on passenger cars and their components continues to present a serious obstacle for German automakers.
Mueller also called for action to help commercial vehicle producers, saying the financial impact on that sector is “of existential importance.” Trucks currently face a 25% tariff rate, while buses carry an additional 10% on top of that.
“They also undermine investment and jobs in the U.S., weaken supply chains, drive up costs throughout the entire value chain, and will ultimately burden consumers as well,” Mueller added.
