Donald Trump blasted by global leaders over auto tariffs. Will US President hold or withdraw duties order?
Donald Trump's steep tariffs on imported vehicles and parts, vowing retaliation as a widening trade war intensifies, as per a report.
Major car exporter Germany urged a firm response from the European Union, while Japan said it «will consider all options», AFP reported.
The US duties take effect starting April 3 and impact foreign-made cars and light trucks. Key automobile parts will also be hit within the month.
Global stock markets plummeted with automakers like Toyota, Hyundai and Mercedes leading the plunge. In New York, shares in General Motors tumbled with Ford and Stellantis also declining.
France Finance Minister Eric Lombard condemned the «hostility,» saying the only solution for the European Union is to «raise tariffs on American products in response.»
Live Events
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he convened a meeting to discuss trade options, while Mexico's Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard has sought «preferential treatment» for his country.
As Washington's major trading partners warned of retaliation, Trump ramped up his threats.
He said on social media that Canada and the EU could face «far larger» tariffs if they worked together «to do economic harm to the USA.»
Trump ally and Tesla boss Elon Musk said his company would not be spared the pain, writing on X: «To be clear, this will affect the price of parts in Tesla cars that come from other countries. The cost impact is not trivial.»
The American Automotive Policy Council warned that the tariffs must be implemented in a way that «avoids raising prices for consumers» and preserves the industry's competitiveness.
While Trump has invoked emergency economic powers for some earlier tariffs, his auto levies build on a government investigation