Auto tariffs Trump plan suspends duties on steel and aluminum, aiming to support U.S. supply chains and ease pressure on automakers.
No tariffs on steel and aluminum
Donald Trump’s strategy on auto tariffs is set to please U.S. carmakers and major industry leaders like Stellantis chairman John Elkann. During a recent visit to Washington, Elkann urged the administration to ease duties, especially on auto components. According to the Wall Street Journal, the move would relieve automakers not only from the 25% import tariff on vehicles manufactured outside the U.S. – which took effect in early April – but also from related levies on steel and aluminum.
The Journal also notes that Trump’s decision is expected to be retroactive, meaning automakers could be reimbursed for tariffs already paid.
The measure is designed to give automakers breathing room as they shift supply chains back to the United States. In the short term, it could deliver a substantial boost to an industry still reeling from years of supply disruption and inflationary pressure.
Meloni on Trump, tariffs, and the EU
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who met with Trump last Saturday during Pope Francis’ funeral, commented on the potential for an EU-U.S. meeting to discuss trade relations. In an interview with Corriere della Sera, she emphasized the importance of a well-structured agreement:
“There’s a 90-day suspension of tariffs, and deadlines are on the table. But what matters to me is securing a solid deal that benefits Italy first, and also Europe and the United States. No rush, just solid results.“
A working relationship
Meloni described her personal dynamic with Trump as respectful and pragmatic:
“We’re two leaders who respect and understand each other, even when we disagree. That said, it wasn’t easy to address EU relations and the mutual benefit of maintaining strong ties. The EU is often seen as a bureaucratic bloc, and there’s a lot of work to be done on that front.“
She echoed a sentiment widely held across the U.S. political landscape, one that Trump himself has repeated: the U.S. trade deficit with Europe remains a sticking point. Although European investments in the U.S. surpass those in the opposite direction, friction persists.
“That’s why I believe a middle ground is both possible and necessary,” Meloni concluded.
U.S.-EU talks: not there yet
Meloni confirmed she invited Trump to Rome for discussions with EU leadership, but admitted the timing may not be right:
“We’re working on it, but of course it doesn’t depend solely on us. These meetings need time and careful preparation. They must be substantive, not just formal. Right now, the conditions aren’t ripe.”
