Washington, May 1 (IANS). US President Donald Trump said on Friday that he has increased the tariff on cars and trucks coming from the European Union to 25 percent. Trump accused the EU of not adhering to the existing trade agreement. He also expressed uncertainty about the ongoing talks with Iran.
“We raised tariffs on cars coming from the European Union because the European Union was not adhering to our trade agreement,” Trump told reporters.
“I have increased the tariff on cars and trucks to 25 percent,” he said. This will provide billions of dollars to America and will put pressure on companies to bring their factories to America quickly.
Trump said the purpose of the decision is to force companies to increase production in America. At present, car plants worth more than 100 billion dollars are being built in America. This is a record. We have never seen anything like this before. He also mentioned the investments coming from Japan, South Korea, Canada and Mexico.
On Iran, Trump said that talks are continuing, but no concrete results have been achieved. They want to compromise, but I am not satisfied yet. Let’s see what happens. Iran’s leadership system is disintegrated. They all want to compromise, but they themselves are scattered.
He described Iran’s leadership as extremely disorganized. Trump claimed that Iran’s military capability has become very weak. Iran has neither a navy nor an air force. His leadership is not working properly.
Trump said he preferred a diplomatic solution. Should we go and attack it and end it forever, or try to compromise? On humanitarian grounds, I would not like to choose the first path.
Trump also defended the decision not to seek congressional approval for military action. He said that such approval has never been taken before and is considered completely unconstitutional.
On the domestic front, Trump described the American economy as strong. He said, “The stock market is at record levels. There are more people working in America today than ever before.
He acknowledged that fuel prices are still high, but said they will come down once tensions ease. When the war ends, petrol prices will fall. At present, a large amount of oil is not able to pass through major sea routes.
Trump reiterated his ‘America First’ policy in economic decisions. Asked about possible help for Spirit Airlines, he said, “We want to save jobs, but only if the deal is good.”
Regarding Pakistan, he also said that he has great respect for Pakistan and its leadership is working with us in regional matters.
Trump also confirmed a future visit to China and described it as a wonderful event. He also said that the leaders of Lebanon and Israel would be visiting the White House.
–IANS
AMT/ABM