On Thursday, Germany's automotive sector called for immediate discussions with the US administration regarding newly announced trade barriers, including a 25% tariff on imported vehicles and auto parts.

Hildegard Müller, President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), stated that the tariffs, set to take effect in early April, would place a "burden on German automakers, parts suppliers, and global supply chains due to their interconnected nature."

She warned of the repercussions of the new tariffs, saying they would have "negative consequences for consumers and severe obstacles to economic growth for all parties involved in manufacturing, importing, and supply chains."

Müller urged swift negotiations with the US, noting that 86 German automotive and parts companies anticipate a negative impact on their future performance due to the tariffs.

The move comes after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday imposing a 25% tariff on imported vehicles and auto parts, effective April 2.

The US market is the top destination for German companies across all sectors and a crucial pillar of Germany’s export-driven economy, the largest in Europe.