I will raise duties on European exports of cars and trucks to 25%.

President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he will raise US customs duties on cars and trucks originating in the European Union next week, accusing the bloc of not adhering to a previous trade agreement. Trump wrote on his “Truth Social” platform: “Based on the European Union’s failure to adhere to the fully agreed-upon trade agreement, next week I will raise the customs duties imposed on European Union cars and trucks imported into the United States. The duties will be raised to 25%.” Trump did not provide an additional reason for the planned increase, but the announcement came the day after he renewed his criticism of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

Trump told Meretz that he should focus on ending the war in Ukraine instead of “interfering” in Iranian affairs.

Germany is likely to be significantly affected by any sharp increase in duties on cars and spare parts, given that it has a large share of EU car exports.