The Trump administration today announced that it will delay a decision to implement tariffs on auto imports for six months, giving the European Union and Japan time to agree to limit their auto shipments to the US or face tariffs.
The decision followed a Department of Commerce report that claimed rising imports of autos and auto parts “threatened US automotive research and development capabilities and thus impaired national security.”
“American-owned automotive R & D and manufacturing are vital to national security,” Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said in the report.
A statement from the White House added, “If agreements are not reached within 180 days, the president will determine whether and what further action needs to be taken.”