{UAH} Frank, what again were you saying about "Economic Nationalism? "Trump blasts Harley-Davidson’s decision to shift production overseas

By MEGAN CASSELLA 06/25/2018 06:14 PM EDT
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President Donald Trump sharply criticized American motorbike manufacturer Harley-Davidson's decision today to shift some of its production overseas, a move the company said it is making in order to avoid the president's tariffs.

"Surprised that Harley-Davidson, of all companies, would be the first to wave the White Flag," Trump wrote on Twitter.

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The post came after the company earlier today said it will be shifting production to its international facilities of motorcycles that are headed to Europe in order to avoid paying a 25 percent tariff on its way into the European market. Brussels levied that penalty in response to Trump's tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.

Harley-Davidson said the duties mean an increased cost of $2,200 on each motorcycle heading into Europe, which is the company's largest market.

Trump noted in his post that he "fought hard for" Harley-Davidson and that "ultimately they will not pay tariffs selling into the E.U., which has hurt us badly on trade."

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But it was not immediately clear what he meant, given that Brussels did include motorcycles on its final list of products that were hit with retaliatory tariffs beginning Friday. A White House spokeswoman did not immediately respond to a request for clarification.

"Taxes just a Harley excuse," Trump added. "be patient!

Sent from my BlackBerry 10 smartphone.