Trump Threatens BMW With Border Tax On Cars Built In Mexico

President-elect Donald Trump has warned the United States will impose a border tax of 35 percent on cars that German carmaker BMW plans to build at a new plant in Mexico and export to the U.S. market.

Trump was speaking in an interview with German newspaper Bild, which on Sunday released excerpts of his comments translated into German.
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TheSteve - 1/16/2017 10:01:44 AM

+4 Boost

Protectionism. The path to isolationism.

TomM - 1/16/2017 11:16:53 AM

+2 Boost

AND while I Agree completely - the problem is - that is one of the "promises" that got Trump elected - to bring production BACK to the USA. And while Trump still sources his ties in China (Because - ha ha - he cannot find anyone to make them in the USA - I have one in South Amboy NJ who would gladly do it) - and HE now want US to pay for the Wall and he will collect later from Mexico (THAT is not what he promised) - He forgets that BMWs is a German Company and its cars were mostly produced in Europe - Any BMW production in the USA was a plus.

As far as Global Trade Agreement leaving out the MAJOR purchaser - production does need a place to sell goods - and without the USA - most manufacturers would have to cut back on production. While Canadian- you are technically right - it is not as simple in real life.

TheSteve - 1/16/2017 4:30:55 PM

+2 Boost

TomM: I was once asked, "Do you prefer a politician who always does what he says, or one that will admit to being wrong, and break a 'promise' because it'll hurt the country?" It made me think about "obligation" vs "doing what's best."

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 1/16/2017 10:53:42 AM

+4 Boost

Spot on Steve-O. This path will lead to global trade agreements where it is the USA who is left out in the cold.

MDarringer - 1/16/2017 11:27:58 AM

-1 Boost

Clamp on the tariff. That is how you get their attention and bring them to the table. This isn't politics as usual, but everyone has deluded themselves into thinking it is. Trump will win.

PUGPROUD - 1/16/2017 4:13:38 PM

0 Boost

I'm with MDarringer on this. This is Trump shooting high but willing to settle for less (a plus for America) once he gets their attention. Germany's national government supports its manufacturers and the local government sits on the BMW board. He is just evening up the sides. Every worthwhile endeavor sits on the razor's edge between success and failure and must be fought for. Sure there is risk, but without risk there is no reward and Trump knows he has leverage on his side. BMW
cannot afford to disrupt its US market position that it has invested heavily in over all the years. Trump will extract a concession from BMW that is a net positive for America.