The Trump administration has started working with motorcycle companies moving into the U.S. market over Harley-Davidson after Harley announced production moves to Europe, President Donald Trump declared on Tuesday.
The President has made clear he disapproves of Harley-Davidson’s decision to move some of its U.S. manufacturing overseas. Harley executives said upon announcing the move that they are doing so to avoid retaliatory tariffs the European Union has exacted on the United States.
“Now that Harley-Davidson is moving part of its operation out of the U.S., my Administration is working with other Motor Cycle companies who want to move into the U.S.” President Trump wrote in the Tuesday tweet.
After Harley announced the manufacturing move, Trump slammed the decision: “Surprised that Harley-Davidson, of all companies, would be the first to wave the White Flag.”
He pointed out, “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”
Several Harley-Davidson factory workers at the Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin plant told NPR after the news that they see the tariffs favorably. They saw Trump’s tariff moves as an attempt to push back against tariffs other countries have levied on the U.S. and as an effort to protect American industry.
“Harley customers are not happy with their move – sales are down 7% in 2017. The U.S. is where the Action is!” Trump said in the Tuesday tweet.
U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer rebuked the EU and China after they issued tariffs in retaliation against the United States’ new tariffs. “Faced with these unjustified tariffs, the United States will take all necessary actions under both U.S. law and international rules to protect its interests,” Lighthizer warned.
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