[ad_1]
WASHINGTON-Secretary of Commerce
Wilbur Ross
said Thursday that it was "too early" to say whether the Trump administration will go ahead with proposed tariffs up to 25% on imported vehicles and auto parts .
Speaking before a hearing in Washington, Ross said the government is still analyzing whether it will impose tariffs for reasons of national security, following a similar move on imports of more metals. early this year. "19659004]" It is obvious that this sector is vital for the American and world economy. "Ross
We Want to Hear You
Is Your Business Affected by Tariffs? Tell Us How
The Department of Commerce hearings are part of a survey launched in May to find out if Trump may use a national security law of 1962 to impose duties on foreign cars and auto parts Some unions, including United Auto Workers, the country's largest auto union, have voiced their support and criticized industry initiatives to move production out of the United States
. Representatives of the largest automakers, component suppliers and traders are expected to testify Thursday against tariffs, saying that they would hurt the economy and put at risk the job by increasing consumer prices and triggering a trade war.
The European Union has announced imports from Europe, warning Washington against unilateral measures that threaten global free trade.
Opponents of the proposed rates also include the American Automotive Policy Council, a lobby representing
General Motors
Co.
,
Ford Motor
Co.
and
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V
.
"There is no indication that motor vehicle imports are a threat to national security," he said.
Matt Blunt,
chairman of the group. Mr. Blunt, former governor of Missouri, said that there is a national capacity to meet national security requirements.
Officials in the auto industry are increasingly worried about the idea of adding another tariff to those already imposed by the White House. Peter Welch, president of the National Automobile Dealers Association, said a 25% tariff applied to all imports would hurt automakers, dealerships, consumers and the economy as a whole. . Most of the groups that testified Thursday were aligned with auto tariffs, in contrast to previous Commerce Department hearings on Chinese imports that have attracted corporations and lobbies both for and against Whites. House policy.
One of the few voices supporting a firmer approach to auto trade policy is Jennifer Kelly, director of the UAW's research department, who has called the government's investigation since long after "decades of divestment". Kelly said that the UAW supports "targeted" measures but has refrained from approving general tariffs. Commercial tactics, she added, should take into account the globalized nature of the industry. "Any reckless action could have unforeseen consequences, including massive layoffs of American workers, but that does not mean we should not do anything," she said. Write to Josh Zumbrun at [email protected] and Chester Dawson at [email protected]
