[ad_1]
US President Donald Trump will not remain unanswered as he progresses with the escalation of customs taxes against the auto industry. This is the guarantee given by a group of European political and economic leaders who met in the south of France this weekend for an economic conference in which fears of a global "trade war" have dominated.
"If there were further increases in tariffs in other economic sectors, such as the automotive sector, our reaction should again be marked by unity and strength , to show that Europe is also a great economic engine sovereign, "said the French Minister of Economy Bruno Le Mayor, one of the hosts of the meeting. , quoted by Bloomberg, could not be simpler: "If you attack us again by applying tariffs, for example in the automotive sector, do you consider that we will react?"
Customs duties applied on imports of aluminum and steel in March, a decision that the US President justifies by the actual imbalance that exists in the trade balance between the US and Europe.In a recent interview with Fox, Trump commented that, with respect to international trade nal, "Europe is probably as bad as China. He is only smaller. "
In addition to Bruno Le Maire, other participants in the conference also expressed their opposition to the possibility of levying other customs duties.The President of Solvay , Jean-Pierre Clamadieu, commented that "the important issues that mark the global trading system, from Brexit to the US-China trade war, are a concern for businesses in a crucial aspect: investment"
Kevin Sneader, another McKinsey consulting firm, lamented that "the tragedy of the trade war is that it is hurting everyone – and if it escalates, it will have a significant impact on the economy." ;Mondial economy. "
For several weeks, it has been hypothesized that Trump could result in a significant deterioration in North American import rates. Decisive product for the global economy: cars The European Commission has warned that if Trump exacerbates this duty, there would be retaliation for US $ 300 billion worth of goods. 19 percent of the country's exports last year.
Trump interrupts and replies: "Sorry, the European Union is perhaps as bad as China. It's terrible what they do to us. "" Look at the example of cars, "says Trump," they send their Mercedes here and we can not send our cars there. "
US companies such as General Motors have issued repeated notices to the US president that tariffs will increase vehicle prices by thousands of dollars, penalizing the competitiveness of the company.The German BMW, which produces cars in South Carolina and exports 70% of production, also warned that many jobs would be threatened if Trump's tariffs for several weeks apply
Another example given by Trump: "What they do with our farmers. They do not want our products because they protect farmers against them. We do not protect ours and they protect theirs. "Last year, if we consider the trade balance – at least I think is an important thing – Europe has earned $ 151 billion," said Trump, saying that He "likes" countries like Germany and Scotland "but they treat us very badly."
Also, Trump recalls, "we spent a fortune with NATO to protect them . "
Source link
