Musk says he hopes for ‘zero’ tariffs between US and Europe

STORY: :: Musk says he hopes for a ‘zero-tariff situation’ between Europe and the U.S. at an Italian conference

:: Elon Musk, Tesla CEO

‘Well, I hope that the United States and Europe can establish a very close partnership. We obviously are, there’s an alliance already, but I’m hopeful that there can be a very close relationship with America and Europe. And I’m hopeful, for example, with the tariffs, that at the end of the day, I hope it is agreed that both Europe and the United States should move ideally, in my view, to a zero-tariff situation, effectively creating a free trade zone between Europe and North America.”

:: Florence, Italy

:: April 5, 2025

Musk, a Trump adviser who has been working to reduce U.S. public spending, spoke via video-link at a congress in Florence of Italy’s right-wing, co-ruling League Party.

Under Trump’s plans announced on Wednesday, Italy, which has a large trade surplus with the United States, will be subject to a general tariff of 20% along with other European Union countries.