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Donald Trump said he “couldn’t care less” if carmakers raise prices after he adds a 25% tax on foreign cars. He believes it will help American car companies because more people will buy U.S.-made cars.
Some experts warn this new tax might hurt the U.S. economy. They say car production in America might stop for a while, car prices could go up, and it could damage relationships with other countries.
Speaking to NBC News, Trump said he hopes foreign cars get more expensive. That way, Americans will choose cars made in the U.S. “We have plenty,” he said.
Trump announced the new 25% tax last Wednesday. It starts on April 2 for foreign cars. On April 3, it applies to businesses that bring in cars. Taxes on car parts will start later, maybe in May.
When asked what he wanted to tell car company bosses, Trump said, “Congratulations—if you make your car in the U.S., you’ll make a lot of money.” He also said that companies not making cars in the U.S. will probably have to move production here to avoid the tax.
One aspect of the tariffs is that if foreign made cars like Toyotas or Mercedes, for example, become much more expensive, then the retail price of vehicles with similar specifications made in the US will also become much more expensive.
To make matters more complicated, many “import” cars are actually made in the US, or partially made in the US. For example Toyota has several manufacturing plants in the U.S. Some of the main ones include:
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Georgetown, Kentucky – This is Toyota’s largest vehicle manufacturing plant in the world. It produces models like the Camry, RAV4 Hybrid, and Lexus ES.
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San Antonio, Texas – Builds Tundra and Sequoia.
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Princeton, Indiana – Makes Highlander, Grand Highlander, and Sienna.
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Blue Springs, Mississippi – Produces the Corolla.
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Huntsville, Alabama – Builds engines, not full vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz also has factories in the U.S.:
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Tuscaloosa, Alabama – Mercedes-Benz builds several SUV models here, including:
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GLE
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GLS
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EQE SUV and EQS SUV (electric models)
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Both companies also manufacture parts and engines in the U.S., and their American plants supply both local and export markets. So if you buy a Toyota or Mercedes in the U.S., there’s a good chance it was made in America, or parts of it were.
In the United States, car ownership is widespread. As of 2022, 91.7% of households had at least one vehicle and 37% of households owned two vehicles. Additionally, 22.1% of households had three or more vehicles that year.
Many parts of the US are lacking in public transportation options and homeowners live more than walking distance from the nearest food store.
Earlier in March, Trump had paused the car tax after big companies like Ford and General Motors asked him to. But now, he says the tax is back and he won’t delay it unless another country offers the U.S. something valuable in return. “Otherwise,” he said, “there’s no room for negotiation.”
The UK is trying to avoid the tax by talking to the U.S. government. British leaders say they don’t want a trade war. But if needed, they will fight back. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he still hopes for a deal.
Other countries are also unhappy. Germany said Europe must “respond firmly.” France’s president called the tax “a waste of time” and “incoherent.” Canada called it a “direct attack,” and China said the U.S. broke international trade rules.
Source: BBC, CNN.
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