Brussels: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said late Wednesday that the European Union "deeply regrets" the U.S. decision to impose tariffs on European car exports.
According to Kuwait News Agency, von der Leyen stated, "We will now assess this announcement together with other measures the US is envisaging in the coming days." She emphasized that the European Union "will continue to seek negotiated solutions while safeguarding its economic interests." She further remarked, "As a major trading power and a strong community of 27 Member States, we will jointly protect our workers, businesses, and consumers across the European Union."
Von der Leyen stressed that "taxes are bad for businesses, worse for consumers equally in the US and the European Union." She clarified that the automotive industry is a driver of innovation, competitiveness, and high-quality jobs through deeply integrated supply chains on both sides of the Atlantic.
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday to impose a 25 percent tariff on imported cars to the United States, effective April 2.