Donald Trump Accuses Harley-Davidson of Surrendering to EU's Tariffs

United States President Donald Trump accused Harley-Davidson Inc. of giving in to the European Union in his on-going tariff war with the EU.

This comes after the company said it would relocate its production of some motorcycles overseas in response to EU's retaliation for the president's newly imposed tariffs on imported metals, CNN reported.

On June 25, Trump took to Twitter and accused Harley-Davidson of surrendering to European tariffs. "Surprised that Harley-Davidson, of all companies, would be the first to wave the White Flag. 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," Trump tweeted.

Trump had earlier stated that his trade fights will benefit American workers.

In another tweet, Trump said, Harley-Davidson should never be built in another country and called them quitters. "A Harley-Davidson should never be built in another country-never! Their employees and customers are already very angry at them. If they move, watch, it will be the beginning of the end - they surrendered, they quit! The Aura will be gone and they will be taxed like never before!" Trump tweeted.

The Wisconsin-based motorcycle firm announced it would shift production of motorcycles intended for European consumers out of the U.S., in order to escape EU'S retaliatory tariffs. The EU is the motorcycle company's second-biggest market outside the U.S.

The European bloc raised its 6% tariff to 31% for motorcycles, making each bike about $2,200 more expensive to export, Harley-Davidson said.

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders on June 25, said, Trump's trade and economic policies are beneficial for the American economy. The EU is attempting to punish U.S. workers with unfair and discriminatory trade policies. Trump will continue to push for a free, fair and reciprocal trade in hopes that the EU will join us in that, Sanders added.

On May 31, the U.S. announced to impose 25 and 10 percent tariffs on steel and aluminium respectively on three of its biggest trading partners - Canada, Mexico and the EU. In response to Trump’s tariffs on steel and aluminum, EU imposed tariffs on American products last week. (With Agency inputs)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 27, 2018 05:30 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).