EU-US Negotiations
European Union Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan will now travel to Washington on a monthly basis to continue discussions on improving the transatlantic trading relationship and in hopes of securing at least a limited trade deal soon.
Last year, the Trump Administration agreed to put threatened EU auto tariffs on hold while the two sides negotiated ways to improve their trading relationship, however, just a few weeks ago the president reiterated the threat of auto tariffs against the EU if the talks do not come to a satisfactory conclusion. European officials have said they are willing to work with the U.S. administration to address some issues, but have also said they will retaliate against any move to tariff cars or other products.
232 Auto Report
Earlier this week Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) indicated he will continue to pursue the release of the Department of Commerce report that found imported automobiles and parts were a threat to U.S. national security. Also this week nine members of the pro-trade New Democrat Coalition sent a letter to the White House asking for the immediate release of the report and abandoning of the threat of Section 232 auto tariffs. The release of the report was mandated through a piece of appropriations legislation that Congress passed last year, but Commerce has yet to comply, irritating many Members of Congress.
Show Congress the Vehicles on Your Lot Are Not a National Security Threat!
Quotes of the Week
"Europe has been treating us very badly. Over the last 10, 12 years, there's been a tremendous deficit with Europe. They have barriers that are incredible ... So we're going to be starting that. They know that."
-President Donald Trump (Reuters)
"[President Trump] is a tariff man and that's the language that he speaks."
-Tomas Baert, Senior Trade Advisor, European Union Delegation to the U.S. (Nasdaq.com)
"...535 members of Congress have said this [Section 232 auto] report ought to be released. So yes, I intend to pursue it."
-Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee (Politico)
Don't Miss
Don't miss AIADA's 50th Annual Meeting and Luncheon in Las Vegas on Monday, February 17 during NADA's annual convention to celebrate AIADA's 50th year. It's not too late! Register today by clicking here!
Friday Feel Good
The "Cutest Accomplice"
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A Florida man and his furry "accomplice" were taken into custody by authorities who said the man shoplifted from a store.
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said Logan Wilson was arrested during a traffic stop after being seen leaving the store and admitted to stealing $259 worth of items with the puppy in tow.
Deputies also took Wilson's four-legged friend into custody. A sheriff's office Facebook post showing an officer holding a small puppy said deputies took care of the "cutest accomplice" before handing him over to Hillsborough County Animal Services where he is already pre-adopted.
(Associated Press)
