WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - US President Donald Trump has threatened to raise his car tariffs. "I may raise these tariffs in the near future," Trump said during an appearance at the White House. The higher the US tariffs, the more likely it is that foreign car companies will build their plants in the US.
Trump has imposed a 25 percent surcharge on imported cars and car parts. There are concessions for car parts for manufacturers who assemble their vehicles in the US. They can have part of the tariffs refunded. The tax on finished cars came into force at the beginning of April, followed by the tax on parts at the beginning of May. The industry warned of drastic negative consequences and price increases.
Trump is focusing on tariffs in his trade policy and has imposed high punitive duties on a wide range of foreign products. The Republican has repeatedly threatened further tariff increases on goods from abroad – and then made a U-turn. Trump's tariff threats often serve as a means of pressure to force concessions in negotiations. /nau/DP/men
