US auto tariffs to further strain ties with Europe

US President Donald Trump's decision to impose 25 percent tariffs on all imported automobiles starting in April will further strain relations between the United States and Europe while disrupting global supply chains and hurting US consumers, according to policymakers, industry leaders and economists.

Leaders of major powers in Europe, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, France's President Emmanuel Macron, and Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz were quick to criticize the US move as wrong and regretful, urging Trump to reconsider.

As Europe's largest car exporter to the US, Germany stands to be one of the most affected by the new tariffs. According to the German Association of the Automotive Industry, the total value of exports of the German automotive industry was 279.8 billion euros ($301.7 billion), and the US represents a share of 13.1 percent.