Importing a US car duty-free (2025) – all the important information

The most important news first: On Sunday, July 27, 2025, US President Donald Trump and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a historic agreement in the trade dispute. The deal provides for reducing tariffs on US cars for imports into the EU to 0%.

Import Cars Duty-Free: USA-EU Trade Deal Announced

For everyone who has always dreamed of an American car, this could mean a revolution: Savings of several thousand euros per vehicle!

What does this mean specifically for you?

Currently, you pay 10% duty on the vehicle value when importing a US car. For a Ford F-150 costing $50,000 USD, that would quickly amount to €4,600 in additional costs – plus 19% VAT on the duty amount.

Calculation example:

Your savings: approximately € 5.771,50 per vehicle!

It's not all final yet

Important note: This is only a framework agreement so far. The final details still need to be worked out in the coming weeks. Additionally, the European Commission must present the deal to member states and EU legislators for final approval.

As an EU official confirmed: "We are ready to go to zero" – but only under the condition that the USA adheres to their part of the agreement and reduces US tariffs on European car imports from 27.5% to 15%.

 

What happens next?

The trade deal between the USA and EU was agreed upon at a meeting between Ursula von der Leyen and Donald Trump at a hotel in Scotland. The agreement is intended to avert the previously threatened higher tariffs that would have taken effect from August 1st.

Timeline:

• July 27, 2025: Framework agreement signed
• Coming weeks: Working out final details
• Subsequently: Approval by EU bodies required
• Then: Duty-free status takes effect

Which US brands benefit particularly?

Particularly popular US brands that could benefit from duty-free status:

• Ford (F-150, Mustang, Explorer)
• Chevrolet (Camaro, Silverado, Corvette)
• Dodge (Ram, Charger, Challenger)
• GMC (Sierra, Yukon)
• Cadillac (Escalade, CT4, CT5)

But luxury brands like Tesla, which are produced in the USA, could also become significantly cheaper.

Sources:

• DIE ZEIT: "US cars to be exported duty-free to EU soon"
• Tagesschau: "The tariff deal between EU and USA and its consequences"

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

From when does duty-free status apply to US cars?

A concrete date has not yet been set. First, the details must be worked out and the deal approved by EU bodies. However, experts expect implementation in the coming weeks to months.

Does duty-free status apply to all US cars?

Yes, in principle all cars produced in the USA should benefit from duty exemption. The production location is important, not the brand.

What happens to already ordered vehicles?

Vehicles that have already been shipped or are in customs procedures are still subject to the old regulations. Only newly imported cars after the deal takes effect will benefit from duty-free status.

Will US cars automatically become cheaper as a result?

Not automatically. While duty costs are eliminated, dealers and importers decide for themselves whether to pass these savings on to customers.

What about import VAT?

The 19% import VAT remains. However, it will only be calculated on the lower total value (without duty), which means additional savings.

 

Historic opportunity for US car fans

Even though final implementation will take some time – the trend is clear: US cars will become cheaper. Duty-free status could represent a historic opportunity for everyone who has always dreamed of an American car.

For those who want to take action now: We at USCar-Trader already offer complete service today from vehicle purchase in the USA to TÜV inspection in Germany. With over 10 years of experience and services like vehicle inspection, escrow processing, and Europe-wide delivery, you can import your dream car safely and stress-free – regardless of when duty-free status finally takes effect.

Of course, we offer our vehicle import service for all cars that you find in the US or Canada.