Trump has previously made threats to place duties on European
automobile imports, with the intent of receiving better terms in
the U.S.-Europe trade relationship. Trump has delayed imposing
the tariffs a number of times.
"I met with the new head of the European Commission, who's
terrific. And I had a great talk. But I said, 'look, if we don't
get something, I'm going to have to take action' and the action
will be very high tariffs on their cars and on other things that
come into our country," Trump told CNBC's Joe Kernen in an
interview from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Former German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen succeeded
Jean-Claude Juncker at the end of 2019 as the EU's top official,
becoming the first woman to hold the post.
The United States has also threatened duties of up to 100% on
French goods, from champagne to handbags, because of a digital
services tax that Washington says harms U.S. tech companies.
Trump told CNBC that the European Union had to make a deal on
trade. "They have no choice," Trump said.
In a separate interview in Davos with Fox Business News, Trump
said the tariffs on EU cars could amount to 25%.
"Ultimately it will be very easy because if we can't make a
deal, we'll have to put 25% tariffs on their cars," Trump told
Fox Business' Maria Bartiromo in an interview
https://www.foxbusiness.com/
politics/trump-says-tax-cuts-health-care-and-trade-deals-are-ahead.
The United States struck a Phase 1 trade deal with China in
January, soothing some of the worries which have hampered the
world economy in recent time.
Asked if a trade pact with Britain could come next, Trump told
CNBC he was ready to make a deal with British Prime Minister
Boris Johnson.
"Boris and I are friends, and he wants to make a deal, and
that's ok with me," he said.
Britain is due to leave the EU at the end of January, the
Johnson has stated that one of the main advantages of being
outside the bloc would be the ability for Britain to negotiate
its own trade deals, including with the United States.
"We're starting. We've already started negotiating" with
Britain, Trump said.
(Writing by Toby Chopra; Editing by Jon Boyle)
[© 2020 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2020 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.
![](column_spacer.png)
|
|