Trump threatens EU with extra tariffs

By Aysu Bicer

DAVOS, Switzerland (AA) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday at the Davos Summit said big tariffs would be imposed on car imports from the EU, if no trade deal favoring his country comes out.

Resuming his threat to put further tariffs on EU cars, Trump promised harsh tactics if trade negotiations did not satisfy the U.S. interests.

“I met with the new head of the European Commission, who’s terrific. And I had a great talk. But I said, ‘look, if we don’t get something, I’m going to have to take action’ and the action will be very high tariffs on their cars and on other things that come into our country,” Trump told CNBC’s Joe Kernen in an interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Trump has previously threatened to place duties on European automobile imports, but delayed imposing the tariffs a number of times.

Also, he threatened duties of up to 100% on French goods, from champagne to handbags, because of a digital services tax that Washington states hurts U.S. tech firms.

In a separate interview in Davos with Fox Business News, Trump said the tariffs on EU cars could reach 25%.

"Ultimately it will be very easy because if we can't make a deal, we'll have to put 25% tariffs on their cars," Trump told Fox Business.