Trump delays auto tariffs, orders further negotiations

U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday delayed slapping additional tariffs on imported autos and auto parts for 180 days, saying in a proclamation carried by the White House's website that he has ordered further negotiations to "address the national security threat."

"President Trump today issued a proclamation directing the United States Trade Representative to negotiate agreements to address the national security threat, which is causing harm to the American automobile industry," the White House statement said.

President Donald Trump walks to the Oval Office after arriving on Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House, Friday, May 17, 2019, in Washington. Trump is returning from a trip to New York. [Photo: IC]

It added that if the negotiation process led by U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer does not yield agreements within 180 days, "the President will determine whether and what further action needs to be taken."

Directed by Trump, the U.S. Department of Commerce on Feb. 17 submitted an investigation report based on Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to review whether foreign imports of vehicles and vehicle parts threaten to "impair the national security of the United States."

Trump was due Friday to decide whether to implement the punitive duties, which have met strong opposition from countries that would be subject to them.