Trump announces 25 percent tariffs on cars, ramping up trade war | Donald Trump [Video]

United States President Donald Trump has announced a 25 percent tariff on imported cars and car parts, his latest salvo in a widening trade war that has stoked tensions with partners and allies.

Speaking at the White House on Wednesday, Trump said the tariffs would “take back” money from foreign countries that have been “taking our jobs” and “our wealth”.

“They’ve taken so much out of our country – friend and foe. And, frankly, friend has oftentimes been much worse than foe,” he said at the Oval Office. “This is very modest.”

Calling the move “exciting”, Trump, who has pledged to revive manufacturing in the US, said the tariffs would “spur growth like you haven’t seen before”.

The White House said in a fact sheet that the tariffs set to take effect on April 2 would “protect and strengthen” the US auto industry, which it claimed had been “undermined by …