Los SUV estadounidenses también corren peligro

The commercial tension between the European Union and the United States is escalating, with Brussels ready to respond to the duties imposed by the Trump administration through a series of countermeasures. Among the American products that could be affected by European meters, SUVs stand out as symbols of the American industry, along with a wide range of other active stars and stripes. The European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, has prepared a new counter-signature package, ready to take effect in the absence of an agreement with Washington, emphasizing the EU’s determination to protect its economic interests.

The EU’s response to Trump’s duties began with Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policy, which on April 2, 2025, signed an executive order imposing a minimum 10% duty on all imports from the United States, with additional quotas of up to 20% for the EU and 34% for other countries like China. These were accompanied by duties of 25% on imported steel, aluminum, and automobiles, measures that have impacted the European industry, especially in the automotive sector. According to Trump, these tariffs (later suspended or reduced) are intended to reduce the US trade deficit, which amounts to approximately $230 billion with the EU. However, economists and analysts criticized the methodology of calculating Trump’s «mutual» rates, calling it simplistic and not based on the duties actually applied by trading partners. In fact, the EU requires an actual average rate of around 4.8% on American products, far from the 39% reported by Trump.

In response, the European Commission has developed a gradual strategy, favoring dialogue but preparing proportional countermeasures. On April 9, EU member states approved an initial tranche of €21 billion in American goods, with duties of 10% and 25% taking effect from April 15, followed by additional quotas on May 16 and December 1. In recent days, the EU has developed a new list of meters worth €95 billion, open for public consultation until June 10, which includes products such as livestock and pigs, Alaska, bourbon, smartphones, Boeing planes, and, notably, American SUVs.

American SUVs in particular, along with pickups, represent a significant portion of the American market, accounting for approximately one-third of total sales in the United States. Including these vehicles on the EU’s list puts pressure on the Trump administration to open negotiations. The EU has taken similar measures during Trump’s first term in 2018 when iconic products like Harley-Davidson Motorcycles, Levi’s jeans, and peanut butter were affected.

The impact on American SUVs could be significant, with European duties of up to 25% making these vehicles less competitive in the European market, increasing costs for consumers and reducing exports. This would particularly affect car manufacturers like Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, who produce popular SUV models in the US. Additionally, the EU is considering restrictions on other American exports, such as steel scrap and chemicals, worth an additional €4.4 billion, amplifying the effect of the countermeasures.

The European Commission has accompanied these measures with an appeal to the World Trade Organization (WTO), denouncing US duties as an «obvious violation» of international rules. Ursula von der Leyen reiterated the willingness to reach an understanding with the United States, proposing a zero-duty regime in key sectors like automotive, steel, aluminum, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors. The EU has demonstrated unity among member states, despite isolated opposition from Hungary. However, countries like Italy and France influenced the list of contradictions, securing the exclusion of sensitive products like whiskey to protect European wines and champagne from threatened Trump retaliation, which feared 200% duties on these products.

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