President Trump once again called out Harley-Davidson over the company's decision to move some production overseas.
Harley-Davidson should stay 100% in America, with the people that got you your success. I’ve done so much for you, and then this. Other companies are coming back where they belong! We won’t forget, and neither will your customers or your now very HAPPY competitors!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 27, 2018
The Milwaukee-based motorcycle maker will begin shifting the production of motorcycles heading for Europe from the U.S. to factories overseas.
The company is facing rising costs from retaliatory tariffs from the European Union--- made in response to the Trump Administration’s original tariffs on steel and aluminum, among other products.
NPR economic reporter Jim Zarroli has been following this story, along with broader changes to U.S. trade policy. He shares his observations with WUWM:
President Trump first weighed in, tweeting that he is “surprised that Harley-Davidson, of all companies, would be the first to wave the White Flag.”
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
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 25, 2018
UW-Madison political science professor Jon Pevehouse says that these retaliatory tariffs are no surprise and explains the larger context of the so-called “trade war,” and its effect in Wisconsin:
