Auto Tariffs Would Drive Up Consumer Costs

(Arlington, VA) – The Department of Commerce has provided the White House with findings regarding the potential national security threat associated with imports of foreign automobiles, and a recommendation on whether to impose tariffs of up to 25 percent on these autos. The White House has not disclosed the recommendation, but may act on it during the 90 day review period that follows such a finding.

Daniel Garza, President of The LIBRE Initiative, released the following statement:

“Tariffs are taxes that hurt consumers. Tariffs on imported cars will increase the cost of those autos, but that would be followed by domestic manufacturers increasing their prices as well – a process we recently saw happen after tariffs were imposed on imported washing machines. These tariffs could also hurt domestic car makers by increasing the costs of parts they use in manufacturing. In the end, families will not be able to avoid paying higher prices for these products, and many people will feel the impact of higher costs.

 

Tariffs like these hurt consumers, and they hurt our economy. We encourage the White House to work to eliminate all tariffs, across the board. Imposing these new taxes now would only hurt the economy and hurt Americans.”