The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) has reiterated its opposition to potential new restrictive measures from the US on the import of European vehicles, despite recent announcements of a 180-day delay in the imposition of customs duties by US President Donald Trump (see EUROPE 12258/14).
“Unilaterally imposed additional tariffs or quotas would clearly violate WTO rules [and] are therefore not acceptable as a solution to the current dispute”, Secretary-General Erik Jonnaert reiterated, insisting that under no circumstances does the importation of European vehicles represent a national risk for the United States, contradicting the report of the U.S. Department of Commerce (DoC).
ACEA recalls that more than three million European vehicles were produced in the United States last year (27% of total US production) and “many of these vehicles are exported to non-member states again, including the European Union”. European car manufacturers employ nearly half a million Americans, the organization adds.
The same applies to CLEPA, the European Association of Automotive Suppliers, which defends the Commission's position opposing any unilateral restrictive measure that does not comply with World Trade Organization rules. CLEPA recalls that total trade in automotive spare parts between the EU and the United States amounts to USD 10.4 billion. (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)