Trump muses about tariff relief for automakers, begins process for semiconductor and pharmaceutical levies [Video]

U.S. President Donald Trump is floating potential tariff relief for auto companies while launching the process to impose levies on imports of semiconductors and pharmaceuticals, amid mounting uncertainty over the direction of his global trade war.

Speaking at the White House on Monday, Mr. Trump said auto manufacturers that source parts from Canada and Mexico “need a little bit of time” to reorganize supply chains to produce more in the United States. “I’m looking at something to help some of the car companies,” he said, without providing details.

The Trump administration on Friday exempted smartphones, tablets and other technology products and components from 125-per-cent tariffs on China. Over the weekend, Mr. Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said these imports would instead be covered by a separate, planned tariff on semiconductors.