US Senate finance committee chairman blasts possible auto tariffs

WASHINGTON: The chairman of the US Senate Finance Committee on Thursday criticized the Commerce Department's decision to potentially levy tariffs on imports of automobiles, trucks and automotive parts, calling it "deeply misguided."

Republican Senator Orrin Hatch urged the Trump administration to instead focus on addressing China's trade practices and working constructively with US trading partners.

Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross on Wednesday announced an investigation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 into whether the imports are threatening the domestic auto industry, which could ultimately lead to new tariffs from the United States.