German manufacturers are relieved by the EU-US agreement, but denounce tariffs that are still too high.

The German automotive industry welcomed the European Parliament's approval of the trade agreement between the European Union and the United States, while noting that customs barriers remain a major obstacle for the sector.

In a statement, the German automotive federation, the VDA, stressed that this development was important for manufacturers who have long been demanding more visibility and stability in their commercial relations with the American market.

The organization called for the swift and formal adoption of the agreement by the European Council to ensure a clear regulatory framework for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic. Industry leaders believe predictability is essential in a global economic context marked by trade tensions.

The president of the VDA, Hildegard Mueller, warned, however, that the current US tariffs on passenger cars and spare parts remain a significant challenge for German manufacturers. These products are still subject to a 15% tariff upon entry into the US market.

Concerns are even greater for commercial vehicle manufacturers. According to the VDA (German Association of the Automotive Industry), trucks are subject to a 25% tariff, while buses face an additional 10% tax. The organization believes these measures have a potentially "existential" impact on some companies in the sector.

Germany, whose economy is heavily dependent on industrial exports, is closely monitoring developments in trade relations between Brussels and Washington. The United States is among the main markets for German automakers, particularly for groups exporting luxury and commercial vehicles.

While the trade agreement is seen as a step towards a more stable economic relationship between the two powers, representatives of the automotive industry believe that a real reduction in customs duties will be necessary to allow the sector to fully benefit from this trade rapprochement.