Trump says he ‘couldn’t care less’ if car prices rise in US due to tariffs | World News
US President Donald Trump has said that he did not warn the automobile industry’s executives against raising prices after his 25% tariffs on foreign-made vehicles came into effect, and said that he “couldn’t care less” if they do increase the prices of cars in America.
The comments by the US president came days ahead of his new reciprocal tariff imposition on April 2 on a range of consumer goods, a move which is being prepared by White House and has faced severe criticism from world leaders amid concerns that potential price rise will fall onto consumers.
Trump, during an interview with NBC News, said that he hoped foreign carmakers will raise the prices of automobiles as it meant “people are gonna buy American-made cars, we have plenty”.
Responding to a question about whether he told CEOs of the car manufacturers to control costs, Trump said “No, I never said that. I couldn’t care less if they raise prices, because people are going to start buying American cars.”
Trump last week announced a new tariff of 25% on cars and car parts which are bound to enter the US from April 2 onwards, while businesses importing cars will be charged from April 3, and taxes on car parts might start from May, reported BBC.
Tariff is part of the US president’s strategy to promote American manufacturing and reduce the country’s trade deficit. Trump’s focus on trade policies has been a key highlight of his presidency’s second tenure.
However, the Wall Street Journal had reported that Trump had a call with automobile CEOs earlier this month and threatened with even heftier tariffs if they raise prices because of the import taxes.
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