As of 4:01 AM GMT on Thursday, a 25% tariff on cars manufactured outside the United States has officially come into effect.

This measure is part of a sweeping array of tariffs announced by the U.S. administration, affecting the global automotive industry significantly.

Approximately half of the 15 million vehicles registered annually in the United States are imported, with Europe being a major source of these vehicles.

The imposition of these tariffs is expected to lead to increased costs for consumers and reshaped dynamics in the automotive market.

Germany is expected to be particularly affected due to its export volume of luxury and high-demand automobile brands.

While French automaker Renault imports very few of its vehicles to the U.S., Stellantis—owner of several American brands—will face more considerable challenges.

However, the biggest difficulties will likely be felt by Germany's top brands, including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi, all of which have established the U.S. as a significant market for their vehicles.

In conjunction with the car tariffs, the U.S. President announced additional tariffs categorized by country, with a minimum rate set at 10%.

Specific tariffs include 20% on imports from the European Union, 34% on those from China, 46% on Vietnam, 10% on the United Kingdom, and 31% on Switzerland.

The White House stated that these tariffs will be scheduled to take effect on April 5 and April 9.

These measures dramatically highlight the ongoing shifts in U.S. trade policy under the current administration, as it seeks to bolster domestic industry while negotiating complex international trade relationships.