U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated on Sunday that his administration’s tariff policy aims to bolster domestic manufacturing in key industries such as military equipment and technology, rather than the apparel sector. Trump’s comments came as he addressed reporters before boarding Air Force One in New Jersey.
Trump expressed agreement with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s previous remarks, made on April 29, where Bessent noted that the U.S. does not necessarily require a “booming textile industry.” This statement was met with criticism from organizations like the National Council of Textile Organizations.
“We’re not looking to make sneakers and T-shirts. We want to make military equipment. We want to do the AI thing with computers,” Trump stated, emphasizing that the focus is on producing essential high-tech goods such as chips and military vehicles, rather than typical consumer products such as socks and clothing.
Recently, Trump has not only reiterated his commitment to aggressive tariff measures but has proposed a steep 50% tariff on European Union goods effective June 1. This follows his threats of a 25% tariff on all imported iPhones, indicating a broader strategy to encourage U.S.-based manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign products.
These policies echo previous trade actions during Trump’s presidency, which intended to safeguard American manufacturing but often resulted in heightened market volatility and increased consumer prices for import-dependent goods. Stakeholders, including analysts and industry leaders, continue to monitor these developments closely, expressing cautious optimism that these measures may eventually rejuvenate domestic production in the long term.
While immediate concerns center on potential price hikes for consumers and possible market disruptions, there remains hope that through strategic dialogue and negotiation, a balanced trade environment can be achieved that favors both American businesses and the broader economic landscape.
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