DAVOS, Switzerland -- President Donald Trump on Wednesday threatened to impose high tariffs on imports of cars from the European Union if the bloc doesn't agree to a trade deal.
Trump has previously made threats to place duties on European automobile imports, with the intent of receiving better terms in the U.S.-Europe trade relationship. Trump has delayed imposing the tariffs a number of times.
"I met with the new head of the European Commission, who's terrific. And I had a great talk. But I said, 'look, if we don't get something, I'm going to have to take action' and the action will be very high tariffs on their cars and on other things that come into our country," Trump told CNBC's Joe Kernen in an interview from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Former German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen succeeded Jean-Claude Juncker at the end of 2019 as the EU's top official, becoming the first woman to hold the post.
Mike Manley, the head of European car industry lobby group ACEA and CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, said businesses need certainty and hoped that a clash with Trump could be avoided.
"If you look at President Trump's track record I think he is incredibly serious. If the parties involved approach those discussions in a serious manner it will be possible for an amicable conclusion to be reached," Manley told an industry event in Brussels.
"An escalation of the tariffs is not to the benefit of anyone,” he added.
Germany's ambassador to the United States, Emily Haber, said in Washington on Wednesday that the European Union is as strong economically as the United States and will respond to any additional U.S. tariffs with duties of its own on U.S. products
Haber told an event hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies the EU would respond "in the same dimension and the same vein."
Trump told CNBC that the European Union had to make a deal on trade. "They have no choice," Trump said.
In a separate interview in Davos with Fox Business News, Trump said the tariffs on EU cars could amount to 25 percent.
"Ultimately it will be very easy because if we can't make a deal, we'll have to put 25 percent tariffs on their cars," Trump told Fox Business' Maria Bartiromo in an interview.
The United States struck a Phase 1 trade deal with China in January, soothing some of the worries which have hampered the world economy in recent time.
Asked if a trade pact with Britain could come next, Trump told CNBC he was ready to make a deal with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
"Boris and I are friends, and he wants to make a deal, and that's ok with me," he said.
Britain is due to leave the EU at the end of January, the Johnson has stated that one of the main advantages of being outside the bloc would be the ability for Britain to negotiate its own trade deals, including with the United States.
"We're starting. We've already started negotiating" with Britain, Trump said.
