The European Union may be on the verge of eliminating import duties on vehicles to 0% as part of a landmark trade agreement with the United States, commonly referred to as the Turnberry deal. If signed as expected on Thursday, this policy shift could significantly reduce the cost of importing American vehicles into Europe — and change how importers, dealers, and private buyers plan their international vehicle shipments.
The Turnberry deal is a proposed US-EU trade agreement that would reduce tariffs on a range of industrial goods. Under its terms, the EU may eliminate its existing 10% import duty on motor vehicles imported from the United States, bringing the rate down to 0%. The deal is expected to be signed by the EU Parliament imminently.
Currently, the EU charges a 10% import duty on passenger vehicles (classification HS 8703) imported from the United States. This tariff has historically been one of the primary cost factors for US vehicle exporters and European importers. For a car valued at $50,000 USD, this means approximately $5,000 in EU duty charges alone, before VAT, registration taxes, or homologation costs are applied.
If the Turnberry deal passes as expected, the EU import duty on vehicles from the United States may drop to 0%. This would represent a major shift for anyone importing American vehicles into Europe — including private buyers, car dealers, and commercial fleet operators.
Key changes that may result from the deal:
EU import duties on passenger vehicles from the US may drop from 10% to 0%
US tariffs under Section 232 on modern vehicles may be set at 15% (classic and race cars classified under Section 122 may remain at their existing rate of approximately 2.5% + 10%)
The total landed cost of importing American vehicles into European countries could decrease significantly
Demand for US-origin vehicles in European markets may increase as import costs decrease
It is important to note that not all vehicles may be affected equally. According to the information available, classic cars and race cars that fall under Section 122 tariff classifications are not expected to be subject to the new 15% US tariffs. These vehicles may continue to be imported at their current rate of approximately 2.5% plus 10%. If you are shipping a classic or collector vehicle, the rules that apply to your shipment may differ from those covering standard passenger vehicles.
The Turnberry deal primarily affects the duty component of your vehicle import costs. The shipping cost itself (ocean freight, container fees, destination port charges) remains separate from import duties and is not directly impacted by this trade agreement. However, a reduction in duty from 10% to 0% can substantially lower the all-in cost of bringing a vehicle into Europe.
For reference, here is how the cost breakdown may change for a $40,000 vehicle imported to Europe:
Before Turnberry deal: 10% EU duty = $4,000 in import duty on a $40,000 car
After Turnberry deal (if enacted): 0% EU duty = $0 in import duty on the same car
Potential savings on duty alone: up to $4,000 per vehicle (plus any applicable VAT adjustments)
Note: These figures are illustrative estimates. Actual costs will depend on final treaty language, vehicle classification, destination country VAT, and other regulatory requirements. Always consult with a licensed customs broker before planning your shipment.
The tariff changes under the Turnberry deal are understood to apply primarily to modern passenger vehicles classified under HS 8703 (motor cars and other motor vehicles principally designed for the transport of persons). Other vehicle categories — such as trucks, motorcycles, and heavy equipment — may fall under different tariff classifications and could be subject to separate rules. Classic vehicles and race cars (Section 122) may be exempt from the new US Section 232 tariff structure.
West Coast Shipping (WCS) has been shipping vehicles internationally for decades, with regular service to major European ports including Rotterdam, Bremerhaven, Southampton, Barcelona, and Antwerp. Whether you are an individual buyer, a dealer, or a collector, WCS can help you navigate the logistics of US-to-Europe vehicle shipping.
Our services include:
Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping to European ports
Container shipping (shared and exclusive 20ft/40ft containers)
Pickup services from anywhere in the continental US
Export documentation and customs coordination
Competitive quotes to Rotterdam, Bremerhaven, Southampton, Antwerp, Barcelona, and more
If you want to understand how the Turnberry deal changes may impact the total cost of your shipment, contact us today and our team will walk you through your options.
The timing depends on when the Turnberry deal is officially signed and ratified. The EU Parliament is expected to sign the agreement imminently. However, implementation timelines can vary and some provisions may be phased in over time. It is advisable to monitor official EU trade announcements for confirmed effective dates.
Based on available information, the 0% EU duty may apply to standard modern passenger vehicles. Classic cars and race cars (Section 122) may be handled differently. The exact scope of vehicles covered will depend on the final text of the trade agreement.
No. The US side of the deal is structured differently. The US may apply a 15% tariff under Section 232 on modern vehicles, while classic and race cars under Section 122 may remain subject to existing rates (approximately 2.5% + 10%). This is a key asymmetry in the deal that importers and exporters should be aware of.
The Turnberry deal, if confirmed, may represent one of the most significant changes to US-EU vehicle trade in decades. A reduction of EU import duties on cars from 10% to 0% could meaningfully lower the cost of shipping American vehicles to Europe and open new opportunities for buyers and dealers alike. West Coast Shipping will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as the deal is finalized.
See how much you could save under the new EU import rules. Get a personalized quote and understand your total import costs before you ship.