Washington, D.C. – March 30, 2025
President Donald Trump has brushed off concerns over rising car prices, declaring he “couldn’t care less” if automakers raise costs in response to his administration’s newly announced 25% import tariffs on foreign vehicles and parts.
In an interview with NBC News, Trump said the new tariffs, set to begin April 2, are intended to boost U.S. manufacturing and encourage consumers to buy American-made cars.
“If you make your car in the United States, there is no tariff. You’ll make a lot of money,” Trump said, adding, “If you don’t, you’ll probably have to come to the U.S.”
Tariffs Timeline and Global Reaction
The sweeping new tariff regime begins next week, with taxes on vehicle imports effective April 3 and parts imports following in May or later. Although the measure was previously paused earlier in March following pressure from major automakers like Ford, GM, and Stellantis, Trump is now moving forward without delay.
“Only if people are willing to give us something of great value” would he consider negotiating, Trump said, referencing foreign governments.
Several nations have responded with sharp criticism:
- Germany vowed to “respond firmly”
- France’s President Emmanuel Macron called the policy “a waste of time”
- Canada labeled it a “direct attack”
- China accused the U.S. of violating global trade rules
UK Seeks Exemption, Eyes Retaliation
Meanwhile, UK officials are in urgent talks with the White House to secure an exemption from the tariff. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has insisted he wants to avoid a trade war but signaled the UK is prepared to respond if necessary.
“We are being pragmatic and clear-eyed,” Starmer stated earlier this week, as UK trade negotiators push to emphasize the country’s relatively balanced auto trade with the U.S.
The UK auto industry exports about £7.6 billion worth of vehicles annually to the U.S., making it the UK’s second-largest automotive market after the EU.
Economic Warning Signs
Analysts have warned that the tariffs could disrupt U.S. car production, increase vehicle prices for American consumers, and strain trade relations with key allies. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) also cautioned that a retaliatory trade war could cost billions in growth and derail fiscal planning.
Despite these concerns, Trump remains resolute, believing the tariffs will drive foreign automakers to move production to U.S. soil—a cornerstone of his economic strategy heading into the 2024 election cycle.
