Trump's 25% car tariff would be like taking out the 'bazooka' on a global auto trade war — and Germany could be hit the hardest

pulse

May 1, 2018 7:44 PM

The Trump administration pointed to national security risks as it slapped steel and aluminum tariffs on the US's closest allies this week. But some analysts see metal import taxes as more of a bargaining chip on a path to what the president is "ultimately interested in": the German auto industry.

The Trump administration is investigating whether auto imports threaten national security.
President Donald Trump reportedly wants a 25% tariff on vehicles imported into the US.
The German auto industry would be among the biggest losers in that situation.

The Trump administration pointed to national security risks as it slapped steel and aluminum tariffs on the US's closest allies this week. But some analysts see metal-import taxes as more of a bargaining chip on a path to what the president is

But the president has repeatedly taken aim at Europe's biggest auto exporter.

Trump aired grievances a in closed-door meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel last month, CNN reports, citing people familiar with the conversation.

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