On July 23, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent spoke about U.S. talks with the European Union while noting that Japan secured its lower 15% auto tariff rate by proposing an innovative financing package. The 15% rate represents a new tariff of 12.5% on top of the older 2.5% rate.
Bessent explained that Japan’s redu

On July 23, the European Commission, which manages EU trade policy, provided a briefing to member state representatives following discussions with U.S. officials, noting that talks are progressing toward an agreement that would set a 15% tariff for most imports.
The 15% minimum tariff would incorporate existing dutie

On July 23, leaders of the European Union and Japan launched an alliance aimed at boosting economic cooperation, defending free trade and countering unfair trade practices as the two sides face growing challenges from the U.S. and China.
The agreement followed a meeting among European Commission President Ursula von

On July 23, the American Automotive Policy Council (AAPC), which represents General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis, raised concerns about the new trade deal with Japan that cuts tariffs on auto imports from that country to 15% while leaving tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico at 25%.
Matt Blunt, who heads the AAP

On July 22, the Trump administration announced that the U.S. and Indonesia agreed to a framework for negotiating an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, which will open access to each other’s markets, with key terms including:
   •The U.S. will reduce to 19% the reciprocal tariffs on goods originating from Indonesia.
   •I

On July 23, multiple media including the Nikkei reported that the U.S. and Japan had agreed in their tariff negotiations to reduce the current 25% auto tariff to 12.5%. Japanese autos exported to the U.S. will now face a total tariff of 15%, including the existing base rate of 2.5%.
On July 22, U.S. President Trump p

On July 22, U.S. President Trump said the U.S. has “concluded” a trade deal with the Philippines that includes a 19% tariff on goods imported from the southeast Asian country.
The Philippines will not impose tariffs on U.S. goods as part of the deal, according to Trump, who praised the country for what he described a

New details provided to Congress reveal the Trump administration's intentions to offer thousands of federal employees financial incentive programs to depart their jobs, including the U.S. National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), which will shed around 25% of its current staff, taking that figure

On July 18, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), the Common Road Transport Office (BGL, FNTR, NLA), and TLN welcomed Denmark’s efforts to reach an agreement on revising the EU Weights and Dimensions Directive during its EU Council Presidency.
The road transport sector and vehicle makers are comm

On July 20, the Minister of Economy met with a delegation from the Chinese company LAUNCH to discuss potential investment opportunities in Serbia’s automotive industry.
The meeting focused on plans to set up a research and development center and build a final assembly plant. These projects aim to bring added value, n

The European Commission had appeared on course for an agreement in which the EU would still have faced a 10% U.S. tariff on most of its exports, with some concessions. Those hopes appear ended after President Trump's threat to impose a 30% tariff by August 1, and following talks between EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Še

On July 21, UK Roads Minister launched a public consultation on the new Automated Passenger Services (APS) permitting scheme. This will shape how self-driving taxis, private-hire vehicles, and buses are regulated in Great Britain.
The focus will be on safety, innovation, world-leading rules, and accessibility. Self-d

Reported on July 18, 2025, Thailand’s Ministry of Finance is considering increasing the excise tax on imported electric vehicles (EVs) that use little or no locally made parts. The plan is especially focused on electric pickup trucks. A ministry source, speaking anonymously, said the proposal is part of a broader str

Announced on July 16, 2025, the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) has released a policy package to help Thai businesses adapt to U.S. tariffs and intensifying global trade pressures. Aimed at boosting competitiveness, strengthening supply chains, and expanding market access, the package responds to investor concerns

On July 17, the U.S. Commerce Department announced it had issued a determination to impose preliminary anti-dumping (AD) duties of 93.5% on anode active material (AAM), which includes both synthetic and natural graphite imports from China. 
The effective tariff rate for AAM is now 160% which includes the previously a

On July 16, multiple sources reported that Mercedes Benz South Africa is rethinking its operations at the East London plant as the South African industries that rely on exports are facing major challenges due to upcoming US tariffs. 
Acting Eastern Cape Premier said there are serious concerns that MBSA could leave th

On July 17, multiple media reported that Volvo Cars plans to begin U.S. production of its two most popular crossovers within the next few years to avoid paying a 30% tariff on the imported models.
According to two people familiar with the plan, the company will start building the midsize XC60 in January 2027 at its R