Trump hits Harley-Davidson for using tariffs as ‘excuse’ for moving production overseas

President Trump on Monday blasted Harley-Davidson for moving some of its motorcycle production overseas in response to an ongoing trade dispute prompted by the administration’s tariffs on European countries.

“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 [European Union (EU)], which has hurt us badly on trade, down $151 Billion. Taxes just a Harley excuse – be patient!” Trump tweeted.

Trump’s attack came after the company said in a filing earlier Monday that it would produce motorcycles bound for European countries in overseas factories. The company cited EU tariffs on motorcycles exported from the U.S. rose from 6 percent to 31 percent in recent weeks.

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Harley-Davidson said it will not raise its prices due to “an immediate and lasting detrimental impact to its business in the region,” according to The Associated Press.

The EU announced it would implement retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods in response to steep steel and aluminum duties imposed by the Trump administration.

Trump has also ordered tariffs be imposed against Canada, Mexico and other U.S. allies, as well as China. Domestic and foreign lawmakers have expressed concerns that the president’s policies will fuel a global trade war.

Trump has brushed aside those criticisms, saying the U.S. has been taken advantage of so badly in the past that it cannot lose a trade war.

On Sunday, Trump warned other countries that the U.S. would retaliate if they continued to place trade barriers and tariffs on U.S. products. 

“The United States is insisting that all countries that have placed artificial Trade Barriers and Tariffs on goods going into their country, remove those Barriers & Tariffs or be met with more than Reciprocity by the U.S.A. Trade must be fair and no longer a one way street!” Trump said in a tweet.