U.S. President Donald Trump noted regarding the decision to impose a 25% tariff on imported cars starting from the 3rd that he is "not at all concerned" about worries that car prices may rise.
During an interview with NBC on the 29th (local time), Trump responded to a question from the host about whether he had warned several U.S. automaker CEOs earlier this month, as reported by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), not to raise car prices due to tariffs. Trump said, "No, I never said that," and added, "I don't care at all about (the increase in car prices). I hope they raise them." He continued, "Because if they raise prices, people will buy American cars (which are not subject to tariffs). We have plenty of American cars." After the interview with Trump, his aides clarified to NBC News that what Trump referred to was the prices of foreign cars.
Earlier, Trump signed a proclamation imposing a 25% tariff on foreign cars imported into the U.S. on the 26th. At that time, Trump met with reporters in the Oval Office and said, "We will charge countries that have taken U.S. jobs and wealth over the past several years. Allies have treated us much worse than adversaries." The 25% tariff on cars will take effect from 12:01 a.m. on the 3rd.