Continental warns of fresh U.S. tariff blow if latest increase affects tyres
Finance

Continental warns of fresh U.S. tariff blow if latest increase affects tyres

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on May 6, 2026

2 min read

· Last updated: May 6, 2026

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Continental Warns of Major Impact from New U.S. Tariffs on Tyre Imports

Continental Faces Financial Pressure from U.S. Tariff Hike

May 6 (Reuters) - Continental expects a blow in the "mid to high double-digit million euro" range should higher U.S. import tariffs recently announced by President Donald Trump apply to tyres, its finance chief said on Wednesday.

Background: Tariff Increase on European Car Parts

Car parts makers in Europe are facing renewed pressure as Trump last week announced a tariff increase on cars and trucks from the European Union to 25% from the previously agreed 15%, saying the bloc had not complied with its trade deal with Washington.

Continental's Response to Tariff Announcement

Continental finance chief Roland Welzbacher told Reuters that the new tariffs were not included in the company's forecasts and that the firm was still waiting for details before taking further actions.

Potential Measures to Offset Financial Impact

He said the expected additional burden "would require again to think about measures to offset this cost like we did last year. So we need to focus on cost savings, and obviously we also need to think about commercial measures".

(Reporting by Emanuele Berro and Simon Ferdinand Eibach, editing by Christoph Steitz)

Key Takeaways

  • Continental did not bake any additional tyre‑tariff costs into its forecasts and awaits more details before acting.
  • The expected tariff impact is in the mid‑ to high‑double‑digit million euro range—a potentially sizeable unplanned burden.
  • Continental may respond with steps similar to last year: renewed cost‑savings and commercial actions to mitigate the impact.
  • The broader U.S. tariff hike to 25 % on EU auto imports (cars, trucks—and potentially parts and tyres) increases pressure on European auto suppliers.
  • Analysts warn these tariffs could cost EU carmakers billions (€3.5 bn in 2026 and €5.7 bn in 2027) and disrupt global supply chains.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much could Continental lose due to new U.S. tyre tariffs?
Continental expects a financial blow in the mid to high double-digit million euro range if new U.S. import tariffs apply to tyres.
What triggered the potential increase in tariffs on European tyres?
President Donald Trump announced an increase in U.S. import tariffs on cars and trucks from the EU, potentially affecting tyre imports.
What measures might Continental take to offset the cost of new tariffs?
Continental may focus on cost savings and consider commercial measures to offset the expected additional financial burden.

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