German auto companies embraced greater clarity but warned that even the lower rate of tariffs agreed between Brussels and Washington would still hurt.

The United States and the European Union agreed to a 15 percent base tariff after weeks of negotiations, which were among the Trump administration’s most difficult discussions.

German auto companies embraced greater clarity but warned that even the lower rate of tariffs agreed between Brussels and Washington would still hurt.

Some European politicians are dismayed that the European Union did not drive a harder bargain, but facing the threat of a damaging trade war, officials say they had little choice.

Recent pacts with Britain, Europe and Japan mean that autos exported from those countries and regions face lower U.S. tariffs than Canadian vehicles do.