US president Donald Trump could impose tariffs on imported cars from next week, a German magazine reported.
According to Reuters, Wirtschaftswoche cited "EU sources" as saying a US commerce department investigation report was on Trump's desk, adding: "Trump will possibly decide on tariffs as early as next week after the G20 meeting in Buenos Aires."
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It cited the sources as saying the report recommended a 25% customs duty on car imports from all countries except Canada and Mexico, the news agency said.
The report noted the White House has repeatedly pledged not to move forward with imposing tariffs on the European Union or Japan as long as it is making constructive progress in trade talks.
The European Commission, which oversees trade policy for the 28-member European Union, declined to comment to Reuters on the report in general but did say that Wirtschaftwoche's reference to EU trade commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom heading to Washington on Wednesday was not correct.
Reuters said the commerce department had not publicly released any findings from its investigation into whether imported vehicles and parts posed a national security risk. The news agency had reported the department submitted its recommendations earlier this month to the White House, which did not immediately act.
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By GlobalDataTrump could take weeks or month to decide, Reuters said. Once he does, the White House has 15 days to impose the new tariffs.
