EU warns of reduced imports if Trump puts tariffs on cars

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press


Raf Casert, Associated Press Updated 1:25 pm CST, Monday, February 18, 2019

BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union warned U.S. President Donald Trump Monday that the bloc will step back from a commitment to buy more American soybeans and liquid gas if European cars are hit with punitive tariffs.

The U.S. Commerce Department is expected issue its guidance on whether auto imports endanger U.S. national security enough to justify import taxes, giving Trump 90 days to decide whether to impose them.

EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said that during a summit in Washington last summer, Trump promised not to damage trans-Atlantic trade with such measures.

"Trump has given me his word that there will be no car tariffs for the time being," Juncker told the German newspaper Stuttgarter Zeitung.

Read more: https://www.chron.com/news/world/article/EU-to-react-swiftly-if-Trump-slaps-tariffs-on-EU-13624668.php

[KY_EnviroGuy]

1. The phrase "U.S. national security" has rung hollow for many years.....

since it now mostly means "security for Wall Street". Bush invading Iraq always first comes to mind.

Nothing beats a hefty economy-damaging tax on your own allies to improve their support of your international security......

Sorta like docking a firefighter's pay for sitting in the firehouse waiting on a fire.

[RainCaster]

3. This idea screws Wall Street as well

DFT is the most clueless mook in all of history. The LNG trade with Europe is a very lucrative deal for not only the US, but many supportive countries as well. If he blows this up, the only one to benefit is Putin.
Remember that.

[KY_EnviroGuy]

4. The man and his staff are as shallow as pet rocks.

He must never look at an analysis of all consequences of his actions, instead only looking for short-term political impact to boost his ego. The other possibility is that he hears the analysis, yet simply does not care.

It seems he cannot comprehend the opposition having recourse or power to retaliate. Perhaps it comes from his prior ability to bully people in real estate and local government for business deals. Does not work on the international stage!

Blowbacks and paybacks usually are hell, and we pay the long-term bill.......

[msongs]

2. trump has given his word lol. amazing anyone is stupid enuff to believe that by now nt

[joshdawg]

5. My thoughts exactly.

trump's "word" is as worthless as trump himself.

[Firestorm49]

6. I'm surprised that Juncker forgot that tRump's "word" is good for shit.