Market News International Quotes Bernd Janzen on EU Auto Tariff Probe
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Market News International has quoted Akin Gump international trade partner Bend Janzen in the article “Trump May Extend EU Auto Tariff Probe For Leverage.”
The article reports that President Trump will miss a deadline next week on the investigation of cars imported from the European Union in order to hold on to leverage in broader trade talks. Mr. Trump, the article says, has until November 13 to respond to results of the Commerce Department’s automobile probe under a clause known as Section 232 covering national security.
According to Janzen, the White House is “jockeying for position” and the hazy language of the statute allows the President to take any actions deemed necessary. That could lead the way for a call for an extended review following the deadline.
“It may be more powerful to keep the card of the threat of tariffs than to actually use it,” said Janzen. “So long as there is the threat of tariffs, the EU is going to be nervous about what might happen, and I think that translates into leverage for the White House.”
Janzen added that there are already “many obstacles toward reaching a deal with the EU. Without the 232 auto investigation, I’m skeptical that there can be any broader trade deal with the EU reached quickly.”
