Trump Says He “Couldn’t Care Less” If Car Prices Soar After New Foreign Auto Tariffs

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Chinese officials are urging US President Donald Trump to "completely cancel" his reciprocal tariffs as trade tensions between the world's two largest economies continue to intensify. Trump recently announced a 90-day delay for various global tariffs he had planned but increased levies on Chinese imports to 145%. In response, China's commerce ministry released a statement calling on the US to "take a big step to correct its mistakes, completely cancel the wrong practice of 'reciprocal tariffs' and return to the right path of mutual respect." The Trump administration made a partial concession Friday by announcing exemptions for certain technological products, including many manufactured in China. The Chinese commerce ministry described this as a "small step" and stated they were "evaluating the impact" of these exemptions. Trump's technology exemptions—covering smartphones, computers, and semiconductors—provided some relief for tech companies and consumers concerned about potential price increases for electronic devices. However, there appears to be no immediate prospect of warming relations between the two economic rivals. When asked on CBS's Face the Nation whether Trump had plans to speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping, US trade representative Jamieson Greer responded, "Right now we don't have any plans on that." The escalation began when Trump imposed a 54% tariff on Chinese imports in early April, later increasing it to 145%. China retaliated with its own tariffs, starting at 34% on US goods before raising them to 84% and finally 125%, which took effect Saturday. In announcing its latest tariffs, China's commerce ministry warned last week it would "fight to the end" if the US "insists on provoking a tariff war or trade war." Trump indicated Saturday while traveling to Miami that he would provide more details about the exemptions early next week. The White House maintains it is using tariffs as a negotiating strategy to secure more favorable trade terms from other nations. Trump has argued his policy will address unfairness in global trade and bring jobs and manufacturing back to the United States. However, these trade actions have caused significant stock market volatility and raised concerns about potential reductions in global trade that could negatively impact jobs and economic growth worldwide.

Donald Trump has declared he “couldn’t care less” if automobile prices increase after implementing 25% tariffs on foreign-made vehicles.

While analysts warn these import charges could lead to temporary shutdowns of major US car production, price increases, and strained international relationships, Trump remains unmoved. In an NBC News interview Saturday, the US president stated he actually hopes foreign carmakers raise prices because then “people are gonna buy American-made cars. We have plenty.”

On Wednesday, Trump announced new 25% import taxes on cars and parts entering the US from overseas, effective April 2. Charges on imported vehicles are expected April 3, with taxes on parts beginning in May or later.

When questioned about his message to automobile executives, Trump responded: “The message is congratulations, if you make your car in the United States, you’re going to make a lot of money.” He added: “If you don’t, you’re going to have to probably come to the United States, because if you make your car in the United States, there is no tariff.”

The 25% import tax was briefly implemented then paused in early March following appeals from major North American automakers including Ford, General Motors and Stellantis.

Trump informed NBC he had no plans to further delay the tariffs, stating he would consider negotiation “only if people are willing to give us something of great value. Because countries have things of great value, otherwise, there’s no room for negotiation.”

These comments come as Downing Street sources indicate the UK would not hesitate to retaliate against US tariffs if necessary. The UK is engaged in last-minute negotiations with the White House, seeking an exemption by arguing that—unlike other countries—Britain has a relatively balanced trading relationship with the US. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has stated he doesn’t want to initiate a trade war.

Several major economies have vowed to respond to Trump’s tariffs. Germany has stated it “will not give in” and that Europe must “respond firmly,” while France’s president called the move “a waste of time” and “incoherent.” Canada described it as a “direct attack,” and China accused Washington of violating international trade rules.

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