Protecting the Interests of Poland’s Automotive Industry

Prime Minister Donald Tusk, joined by the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Development and Technology, and the Minister of Industry, held talks with representatives of the automotive sector about the situation in the Polish, European, and global economy following recent U.S. tariff decision. The 25% tax on European cars and light trucks came into effect on Thursday, April 3.

“Our job is not to complain, but to seek solutions and actions, as well as your recommendations on what we can do at the European level to shield ourselves or at least reduce the negative consequences of these high tariffs,” said Prime Minister Tusk during the meeting.

Customs policy remains under the purview of the European Commission. The Prime Minister announced that this week he would speak with EU leaders, including the President of the European Commission and the heads of the largest EU countries, about a joint EU response to U.S. tariffs. Industry recommendations may serve as the basis for further action at the European level to defend Poland’s automotive industry.

Minister of Development and Technology Krzysztof Paszyk emphasized that Poland has been a very active participant in the European forum from the very beginning of the tariff issue. He reminded that the day before, a meeting of EU trade ministers took place.

"On the one hand, the discussion concerned the direct consequences stemming from the customs relationship between the EU and the U.S., but also specifically the impact on the automotive sector. A lot of attention was paid to external effects [...]. The situation is already being monitored to prevent additional negative impacts," said the Minister.

That same day, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also met with representatives of key automotive companies to discuss the impact of American tariffs on European cars.

U.S. Tariff Decisions and the Future of Poland’s Automotive Sector

Finance Minister Andrzej Domański addressed the impact of the U.S. administration’s decision to impose tariffs on several countries, including the European Union. He noted that these tariffs would have a significant effect on the global economy. As he added, the consequences of this shift have already begun to appear on financial markets in recent days, indicating growing concern over the future of the global economy.

“For Poland, exports to the United States are significant. The U.S. is our eighth-largest export market. In terms of value-added, it is our second-largest export market. Therefore, we want to meet with representatives of those sectors of our economy that are the driving force behind Polish exports. The automotive industry is certainly one of those sectors,” said Domański.

In recent years, Poland has become an attractive location for investors in the automotive sector. The industry accounts for 8% of GDP and provides jobs for around 400,000 people (according to ZUS data). It is the second-largest sector in Poland in terms of revenue. Poland manufactures both components and complete passenger and commercial vehicles.

Industry representatives emphasized that the automotive sector in Poland is not a monolith. It consists not only of large car factories but also a vast ecosystem of parts manufacturers, ranging from small and medium enterprises to large corporations.

The introduction of tariffs on April 3, including a 25% duty on imported cars and light trucks, will cause disruptions for Polish industry. “[...] Their implementation will be indirectly felt due to the fact that some of the vehicles are exported to the U.S. It’s no more than a million vehicles annually, but it still has a significant impact on the Polish economy,” said Minister of Industry Marzena Czarnecka.

The global market situation is key for an export-oriented industry like automotive. In 2024, the EU exported 757,654 vehicles worth €38.9 billion to the U.S., while the U.S. exported 169,152 vehicles worth €7.8 billion to the EU.

Automotive Industry Representatives in Attendance:

• Tomasz Bęben – President, Association of Automotive Parts Distributors and Manufacturers
• Jakub Faryś – President, Polish Automotive Industry Association
• Janusz Kobus – President, Polish Chamber of Automotive Industry
• Maciej Mazur – Managing Director, Polish New Mobility Association
• Bartosz Mielecki – Managing Director, Polish Automotive Group
• Paweł Wideł – President, Association of Automotive and Industrial Employers

International Security and Streamlining Defense Investments

Prime Minister Tusk also addressed national security concerns, including the relocation of U.S. troops from the Jasionka airfield, which serves as a key transportation hub for delivering aid to Ukraine.

“This is no surprise. Americans had informed us in advance and assured us that the troops withdrawn from the Rzeszów area and Jasionka would still be stationed in Poland. This does not mean any reduction in U.S. forces in Poland or Europe,” the Prime Minister confirmed.

Also on Tuesday, the Council of Ministers adopted a draft law on strategic and key investments for national security. The bill will simplify the implementation of such projects and reduce the average investment and construction process from 6 to 3 years.

“We won’t have to wait months, or even years, for permits. Where it directly concerns the safety of citizens and the Polish state, we will be able to make decisions quickly and without excessive procedures,” said Tusk.

The new regulations are linked to the geopolitical situation and the strengthening of national defense. Simplifications will apply, among others, to required documentation, obtaining a single permit from the provincial governor for strategic investments, and the implementation of the investments themselves.

Representatives of the industry also referred to defense issues and the promotion of a European community of interests. They emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation both at the European and national levels, especially in the context of working with the defense sector. Poland already has the competencies and experience that can be used to respond to the growing need for national defense and security.