US tariffs and the EU's countermeasures would result in economic disruption ripping apart global value chains, the director of European auto trade group ACEA tells Radio Schuman on Friday
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US President Donald Trump's announcement of a 25% tariff on imported cars and car parts came as a hard blow for European car makers, who export between 50% and 60% of their production to the US.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her dismay over the sudden decision, saying that the tariffs would punish both European and American companies, signalling the bloc's intention to retaliate.
"I think the both sides will try to, would try to hurt each other where it hurts most," says Sigrid de Vries, the director general of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), describing what he thinks the short-term impact of the rift would look like. "It will rip apart global value chains," he added.
Today's episode also looks at a discussion among ministers on the EU’s cohesion funds and at a survey revealing the best European countries for women's health.
Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with audio editing by David Brodheim. Music by Alexandre Jas.