CHINA/TRADE DEALS/TRUMP PEOPLE: “U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said on Thursday [6-22-17] he would support taking action against U.S. automaker Ford’s (F.N) decision to move some production to China if the shift was because of ‘non-economic reasons.’
Lighthizer, who was appearing before a panel of U.S. senators, did not give details on the factors that could trigger action from the administration of President Donald Trump or what sort of action it might take.
But he made clear he was not enthused about Ford Motor Co’s announcement earlier this week that it will move some production of its Focus small car to China and import the vehicles to the United States.
‘I find that very troubling,’ Lighthizer said. ‘It doesn’t necessarily make sense to me.’
Ford’s plan suggests China could play a much larger role in future vehicle production for North America, perhaps eclipsing Mexico as a low-cost manufacturing source.”
-Lindsay Dunsmuir and Jason Lange, “U.S. Trade Rep Lighthizer ‘troubled’ by Ford’s China move,” Reuters, June 22, 2017 11:57am