Ineos Outraged Over Trump’s Tariffs: “This Is What Happens When Politicians Sit On Their Hands”

As a relatively small automaker, Ineos will be one of the brands hit hardest by US President Donald Trump’s sweeping 25% tariffs, and it has sharply criticized the EU for failing to negotiate a solution. Due to the 25% tariffs imposed on all vehicles imported in the States starting April 3, prices may need to be increased.

In a strongly worded statement, Ineos said it’s “outraged that the tariff situation with the US has been neglected by the EU,” noting that Trump has long been clear about his plans. “And yet, European leaders have not come to the table to negotiate a better solution,” Ineos added, noting the tariffs “could and should have been averted.”

Read: 7,000 Ineos Grenadiers Recalled For Doors That Can Swing Open Mid-Drive

The British brand sells both the Grenadier and Grenadier Quartermaster in the United States, and while it’s been planning for tariffs, it said “there’s only so much it can do to protect US customers from price rises.”

“This is what happens when politicians sit on their hands,” Ineos Automotive chief executive Lynn Calder said. “As a growing EU-based automobile brand, we are vulnerable to tariffs, and we need our politicians to support our business, our jobs and our economies. We need urgent and direct political intervention on tariffs. We will give whatever support we can to our political leaders to keep the playing field even for small, competitive brands such as Grenadier.”

The EU Must Address The Issue Urgently

Ineos wants to see action from European leaders on the tariff situation, noting that only they have the power to address the issue.

Speaking with Bloomberg, European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill said the bloc hopes to find a negotiated solution with the US, as it wants to “build that relationship up, not tear it down.”

The new tariffs are bad news for businesses and shoppers. Estimates reveal the 25% levy imposed on imported vehicles could force car manufacturers to jack up prices between $6,000 and $16,000 for some of America’s most popular cars. For example, pickup trucks like the Chevrolet Silverado and Ram 1500 could get over $13,000 and $15,000 more expensive, respectively, while the prices of popular hatchbacks like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla could increase by ~$7,000 and ~$6,300.