Trump accuses Harley-Davidson of surrendering to EU's tariffs
Washington [United States]: United States President Donald Trump accused Harley-Davidson Inc. of surrendering to the European Union's (EU) tariffs.
This comes after the company said it would relocate production of some motorcycles overseas in response to EU's retaliation for the president's newly imposed tariffs on imported metals, CNN reported.
On June 25, Trump took to Twitter and accused Harley-Davidson of surrendering to European tariffs.
"Surprised that Harley-Davidson, of all companies, would be the first to wave the White Flag. I fought hard for them and ultimately they will not pay tariffs selling into the E.U., which has hurt us badly on trade, down $151 Billion. Taxes just a Harley excuse - be patient! #MAGA," Trump tweeted.
Surprised that Harley-Davidson, of all companies, would be the first to wave the White Flag. I fought hard for them and ultimately they will not pay tariffs selling into the E.U., which has hurt us badly on trade, down $151 Billion. Taxes just a Harley excuse - be patient! #MAGA
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 25, 2018
Trump had earlier stated that his trade fights will benefit American workers.
In another tweet, Trump said, Harley-Davidson should never be built in another country and called them quitters.
"A Harley-Davidson should never be built in another country-never! Their employees and customers are already very angry at them. If they move, watch, it will be the beginning of the end - they surrendered, they quit! The Aura will be gone and they will be taxed like never before!" Trump tweeted.
A Harley-Davidson should never be built in another country-never! Their employees and customers are already very angry at them. If they move, watch, it will be the beginning of the end - they surrendered, they quit! The Aura will be gone and they will be taxed like never before!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 26, 2018
The Wisconsin-based motorcycle firm announced it would shift production of motorcycles intended for European consumers out of the US, in order to escape EU'S retaliatory tariffs.
The European bloc raised its 6% tariff to 31% for motorcycles, making each bike about $2,200 more expensive to export, Harley-Davidson said.
White House press secretary Sarah Sanders on June 25, said, Trump's trade and economic policies are beneficial for the American economy.
The EU is attempting to punish U.S. workers with unfair and discriminatory trade policies. Trump will continue to push for a free, fair and reciprocal trade in hopes that the EU will join us in that, Sanders added.
On May 31, the US announced to impose 25 and 10 percent tariffs on steel and aluminium respectively on three of its biggest trading partners - Canada, Mexico and the EU.
In response to Trump tariffs on steel and aluminum, EU imposed tariffs on the US, last week.