Trump’s car tariffs could make UK top export market for German auto industry, says Blick Rothenberg

President Donald Trump's new tariff can restore auto imports – and pushing the United Kingdom to the pole as the most important export market for the automotive industry in Germany.

This is the pioneering opinion of the audit, tax and advisory work company, Blake Rothnberg.

With a 25 percent tariff for all German car imports to the United States due to valid on April 2, German manufacturers may look forward to strengthening relations with the UK, which already occupies the second largest buyer of German vehicles around the world.

“With the 25 % of the definitions of German car imports to the United States, the UK may become the most important export market for German auto manufacturers,” said Viktor Gottschlichh, the first manager and deputy of the German office at Blick Rothnberg.

The UK is currently 11.3 percent of German auto exports – behind the United States by 13.1 percent. But with the possibility that the American market will become less profitable under new commercial barriers, the UK may become a favorite partner. “German -made cars in general will not be subject to the definitions of the United Kingdom, making the UK an attractive alternative,” Gotchley said.

German manufacturers already have a strong imprint in the UK, and have famous British brands like Bentley and Mini. Expanding export operations and strengthening supply chains to and from the United Kingdom can help German auto companies help increase the strike from a less applicable American market.

The impact can also extend to the classic car sector. Gotschlich has warned that the term “final vehicles” – as used in the Trump tariff declaration – may be wide enough to include ancient and complex cars. He said: “American borders and customs may not be allowed to distinguish between classic and new cars – which currently attract a 2.5 % duty. A 25 % tariff can be added to the top of the current duties, which represents a significant increase in the cost of classic car companies.”

Blake Rothnberg believes that deepening participation in the UK market – for both new and classic cars – offers a practical and perhaps profitable forward to German car makers in the American trade war.

“Increased communication with the UK market seems reasonable for German companies to compensate for the potential American car market.”