Trump levies 25% import tariffs on foreign cars, roils auto majors

World powers on Thursday blasted US President Donald Trump's steep tariffs on imported vehicles and parts, vowing retaliation as a widening trade war intensifies.

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Major car exporter Germany urged a firm response from the European Union, while Japan said it "will consider all options."

The 25 per cent US duties take effect starting 12.Olameasterntime (0401 GMT) April 3andimpact foreign-made cars, light trucks and vehicle parts.

Globalstockmarkets plummeted with automakers like Toyota, Hyundai and Mercedes leading the plunge. In New York, shares in General Motors tumbled with Ford and Stellantis also declining.

France Finance Minister Eric Lombard said the only solution for the EU is to "raise tariffs on American products in response."

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he convened a meeting to discuss trade options, while Mexico's Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard seeks "preferential treatment" for his country.

Trump ramped up his threats, saying on social media that Canada and the EU could face "far larger" tariffs if they worked together "to do economic harm to the USA."

Trump confidant and Tesla boss Elon Musk said his company would not be spared, writing on X that the price for parts "is not trivial."

However, because Tesla builds its cars for the US market domestically it will in fact emerge relatively unscathed compared to rivals.

The American Automotive Policy Council warned that the tariffs must be implemented in a way that "avoids raising prices for consumers" and preserves the industry's competitiveness.