ACEA calls for swift conclusion of EU–US trade deal trilogues to secure automotive export gains

Brussels, 4 May 2026 - Ahead of the EU-US trade agreement trilogues scheduled for Wednesday 6 May, the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) urges co-legislators to conclude negotiations as swiftly as possible.

The automotive industry welcomes the broad cross-party majority achieved in the European Parliament, as well as the constructive engagement of the Council. Timely finalisation of the legislation is essential to provide clarity and ensure the full benefits of the agreement.

The United States remains the second-largest market for new EU vehicle exports after the United Kingdom. In value terms, it accounted for 18.4% of the EU export market in 2025.

ACEA calls on the European Parliament and the Council to find common ground and bring the trilogue negotiations to a swift and successful conclusion.

Find out more about EU-US vehicle trade in our fact sheet: https://www.acea.auto/files/ACEA_fact_sheet_EU_US_vehicle_trade_May_2026.pdf

Notes for editors

• Around 670,000 new vehicles were exported from the EU to the US in 2025, valuing €31 billion.
• The US is Europe's second largest export market. It accounted for 18.4% of the EU export market in 2025.
• In 2025, of al vehicles exported, 80,205 were battery-electric vehicles (12%), valuing €4 billion.
• In 2024, European-headquartered manufacturers build approximately 830,000 vehicles per year in the US, exporting 50-60% of them, including back into the EU, making transatlantic stability vital from both sides of the value chain

About ACEA

• The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) represents the 17 major Europe-based car, van, truck and bus makers: BMW Group, DAF Trucks, Daimler Truck, Ferrari, Ford of Europe, Honda Motor Europe, Hyundai Motor Europe, Iveco Group, JLR, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Renault Group, Stellantis, Toyota Motor Europe, TRATON GROUP, Volkswagen Group, and Volvo Group.
• Visit www.acea.auto for more information about ACEA, and follow us on https://www.x.com/ACEA_auto or https://www.linkedin.com/company/ACEA/

Contact:

• Camille Lamarque, Media Relations Manager, [email protected], +32 2 738 73 16

About the EU automobile industry

• 13.6 million Europeans work in the automotive sector
• 8.1% of all manufacturing jobs in the EU
• €414.7 billion in tax revenue for European governments
• €93.9 billion trade surplus for the European Union
• Over 8% of EU GDP generated by the auto industry
• €84.6 billion in R&D spending annually, 34% of EU total