Trump administration weighs slapping tariffs on auto imports: White House

Washington: President Donald Trump has instructed his administration to "consider" launching an inquiry that could allow the US to impose tariffs on auto imports over national security concerns, the White House said Wednesday.

Trump said after meeting with Wilbur Ross he told the commerce secretary to "consider initiating a Section 232 investigation into imports of automobiles, including trucks, and automotive parts to determine their effects on America's national security."

Such an investigation would provide the legal basis to impose tariffs if the Department of Commerce finds imports threaten US national security.