US tariff move sparks criticism, concern in Germany

The latest U.S. tariffs on imported vehicles are expected to increase uncertainty in global supply chains and could significantly impact automakers around the world, including those in Germany, German experts said recently.

U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday to impose 25 percent tariffs on all imported vehicles, starting from Thursday, while tariffs on auto parts will be fully implemented by May 3.

As one of the world's leading automobile manufacturers, Germany's automotive industry relies heavily on international markets, with the United States serving as a key export destination.

Industry insiders warn that the recent move by the U.S. is likely to increase uncertainty in global market and could have a significant impact on automakers worldwide, including those in Germany.

In a statement released on Thursday, Hildegard Muller, president of the German Association of the Automotive Industry, criticized the U.S. imposition of 25 percent additional tariffs on the automotive industry, calling it a serious blow to global supply chains that could create uncertainty for German car companies and their investments in the U.S.

Trump's policy is not "America First," but "America Isolated," and this protectionist approach will only lead to more losers, ultimately impacting American consumers, businesses, and the global economy, said Muller.

Omer Sahin Ganiyusufoglu, a member of German National Academy of Science and Engineering, said that the tariffs will increase the cost of manufacturing vehicles. Consequently, American consumers will face higher car prices, making it difficult for anyone to win.

"Tariff policies can be implemented swiftly, but it's important to carefully assess their effects. When tariffs are imposed on imported goods, the burden usually falls on consumers or businesses. These tariffs don't genuinely benefit the domestic population, and people will eventually recognize this," said Ganiyusufoglu.

"The U.S. will come to realize that in trying to throw a stone at others, it has ended up hurting itself and damaging its own citizens," he added.

Industry insiders note that the global automotive industry is at a crucial turning point in electrification and digital transformation, with technological innovation and supply chain restructuring as key development focuses. However, the recent U.S. tariff policy creates market uncertainty, prompting companies to reevaluate their global strategies.

US tariff move sparks criticism, concern in Germany

US tariff move sparks criticism, concern in Germany

US tariff move sparks criticism, concern in Germany

A high-level mediation team from the African Union (AU) Commission has been dispatched to Juba, capital of South Sudan, to try to ease the rising tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, and help resolve the current political crisis in the country.

Riek Machar and several senior officials have been detained since clashes erupted in January between the South Sudan People's Defense Forces and the opposition fighters.

Machar was accused of instigating violence in Nasir in the northern part of the country.

The mediation team says it plans to engage Machar, but that meeting is yet to take place.

The AU is urging South Sudanese political leaders to resolve the current disagreement through dialogue.

Machar heads the largest opposition group that has an armed wing in the country, known as SPLM/A-IO.

South Sudan's government says it's still investigating Machar for being allegedly involved in clashes between government troops and armed civilians affiliated to SPLM/A-IO in Nasir.

"The mandate of the RTGoNU (the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity) is simple; that we stop war, we form a revitalized government of national unity so that we return security, sustainable peace in the country," said Martin Elia Lomuro, South Sudan's Minister of Cabinet Affairs.

Meanwhile, Machar's party members are calling on president Kiir to order the release of their leader.

The group argues that the arrest of Machar means the 2018 peace deal which ended five years of violence in the country has partially collapsed.

The government reaffirms its commitment to the implementation of the 2018 peace deal.

It says Mr. Machar is in conflict with the law and that the implementation of the peace deal should not be used as cover to commit crime. However, until now, South Sudanese law enforcement agencies have not charged Machar with any offense in a court of law.

South Sudan, which became independent in 2011, signed a peace deal in 2018 that ended a civil war between forces loyal to Kiir and Machar. Nearly 400,000 people died in the civil war.

Relations between Kiir and Machar, who have dominated South Sudan's politics for decades, remain strained. The clashes and latest political tensions between the two leaders have unsettled many citizens and the international community.

AU dispatches Panel of Wise to address ongoing instability in South Sudan