U.S. government to hold hearing on import tariff

According to foreign media reports, on May 29, local time, the U.S. government stated that it will hold hearings on whether imported vehicles and parts pose a threat to national security. On May 23, local time, the US Department of Commerce stated that it will investigate whether imported vehicles and components threaten the health of the US auto industry and develop high-end new technologies. It will then decide whether to increase the US auto import tariff to 25%.

According to reports, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced in the official U.S. government publication "The Federal Register" that it will hold a two-day hearing on import duties in July this year to solicit public opinions. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s statement, written opinions will be solicited before June 22, and dissenting opinions will be collected before July 6. Public hearings will be held in Washington on July 19-20.

Last week, US Secretary of Commerce Ross said in a statement, “There is evidence that imported vehicles have been eroding our automotive industry for the past several decades,” and stated that it will conduct a “complete, fair, and transparent investigation.” The Ministry of Commerce also pointed out that it hopes to analyze what kind of changes will happen to "predict the domestic production required for defense needs" and if it is to compare the production capacity of American cars with that of foreign car brands.

In addition, topics that still need to seek public comment include whether "innovation in new automotive technologies needs to meet national defense needs" and "whether external replacements for domestic vehicles and components cause large-scale unemployment, declining government revenue, investment or professionalism. Loss of skills and productivity."

For now, the proposal to increase tariffs has been condemned by Republican lawmakers and some corporate groups. Last week, representatives of mainstream car companies retorted that “it is certain that imported cars will not pose risks to national security.” The American Chamber of Commerce pointed out that in the past decade, the United States’ vehicle production capacity has doubled, “declared to protect the automotive industry. Car tariffs will actually bring a heavy blow to the auto industry and may also trigger a global trade war."