WASHINGTON (REUTERS) – US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that he did not warn the executives of the car – industry to increase prices, because rates for foreign cars are in force and NBC News told that he could “save less” if they do.
The White House has prepared for the imposition of new rates for a series of consumer goods on 2 April, a movement that has taken criticism from international leaders and concerns about possible price increases for consumers.
In the NBC News interview, Trump said that his permanent rates for foreign cars would be a boost for factories domiciled by the US and it was convinced that the move would lead to an increased sale of American cars. “I hope they increase their prices, because if they do, people will buy cars made in America,” Trump said.
Trump claimed that he would only consider negotiating the rates “if people are willing to give us something of great value.”
The rates are part of Trump's efforts to promote American production and to reduce the country's trade deficit.
Trump's trade policy was an important focus of his presidency, with constant tensions with large trading partners.
(Reporting by Mike Stone in Washington; adaptation by David Gregorio)
