Possible US tariffs on car imports might mean job losses in SA
The exit of BMW from the US market has seen a sharp decline in South African motor vehicle exports there
The decision by US president Donald Trump in the next three months on whether or not to impose tariffs on the imports of vehicles and their components will have a significant effect on SA, and could result in job losses. US embassy spokesperson Robert Mearkle confirmed that the US secretary of commerce Wilbur Ross had formally submitted the results of an investigation by that country's department of commerce into the effect of imports of automobiles and automobile parts on US national security, to the White House on February 17. “President Trump has 90 days to decide what action, if any, is necessary,” Mearkle said. The investigation which was launched in May 2018 was conducted under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, which authorises the US president to adjust imports tariffs if the imports are a threat to national security. Trump raised the tariffs on steel by 25% and aluminium by 10% following a similar section 232 investigation. “There is evidence suggesting that, for decad...
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