Brexit Champ’s Ineos Outraged At EU Over Trump Tariffs: “This Is What Happens When Politicians Sit On Their Hands”

Ineos, a relatively small automaker, is one of the brands set to feel the sting of US President Donald Trump’s hefty 25% tariffs, and the company is not happy about it. The British brand has sharply criticized the European Union for not stepping up to negotiate a solution, especially considering the tariffs will kick in on April 3, likely driving up prices for its vehicles.

In a strongly worded statement, Ineos said it’s “outraged that the tariff situation with the US has been neglected by the EU,” noting that Trump has long been clear about his plans. “And yet, European leaders have not come to the table to negotiate a better solution,” Ineos added, noting the tariffs “could and should have been averted.”

The Irony of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Position

Of course, there’s a bit of irony in all of this. Ineos is owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a prominent Brexiteer and one of the UK’s wealthiest individuals. Ratcliffe was a fierce advocate for Brexit, claiming the UK would thrive without the EU’s red tape—before promptly relocating to tax-free Monaco in 2020. And yet, here we are, years later, with his company now furious at the very EU he abandoned for not stepping up when it matters.

Read: 7,000 Ineos Grenadiers Recalled For Doors That Can Swing Open Mid-Drive

The British brand sells both the Grenadier and Grenadier Quartermaster in the United States, and while it’s been planning for tariffs, it said “there’s only so much it can do to protect US customers from price rises.”

“This is what happens when politicians sit on their hands,” Ineos Automotive chief executive Lynn Calder said. “As a growing EU-based automobile brand, we are vulnerable to tariffs, and we need our politicians to support our business, our jobs and our economies. We need urgent and direct political intervention on tariffs. We will give whatever support we can to our political leaders to keep the playing field even for small, competitive brands such as Grenadier.”

The EU Must Address The Issue Urgently

Ineos has made it clear that European leaders need to step in and take action on the tariff issue, as they are the only ones with the power to negotiate a solution.

European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill told Bloomberg that the EU is hopeful for a negotiated resolution with the US, emphasizing the bloc’s desire to “build that relationship up, not tear it down.”

The new tariffs are bad news for businesses and consumers. Experts estimate that the 25% levy on imported vehicles could cause prices to rise anywhere from $6,000 to $16,000 on some of America’s most popular cars. For example, pickup trucks like the Chevrolet Silverado and Ram 1500 could get over $13,000 and $15,000 more expensive, respectively, while the prices of popular hatchbacks like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla could increase by up to $7,000.