Tariff: “I don’t care if automakers raise prices – Donald Trump
U.S. President Donald Trump said he did not warn auto industry executives to raise prices as tariffs on foreign-made cars took effect.
Trump said in a conversation with NBC News that he said he “don’t care” if they did.
The White House has been preparing to impose new tariffs on a range of consumer goods on April 2.
The move is said to have attracted criticism from international leaders and fears of potential price increases for consumers.
Trump said in an interview with NBC News that his permanent tariffs on foreign-made cars would boost leading U.S. factories and was confident that the move would lead to higher sales of U.S.-made cars.
“I hope they raise prices because if they do, people will buy American-made cars,” Trump said.
The U.S. president pointed out that if people are willing to give them great value, he will only consider negotiating tariffs.
Tariffs are part of Trump’s efforts to promote U.S. manufacturing and reduce the country’s trade deficit.
Trump’s trade policy has been a focus of his presidency, with ongoing tensions with major trading partners.
