'Tanks are more important than socks': Trump explained stiff tariffs
The politician said the U.S. doesn't need textile mills - electronics, defense and heavy industry are the priority
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Trump defends tariff policy: "We need tanks, not T-shirts "###
Former U.S. President Donald Trump said that his tariff policy is aimed at the development of high-tech and defense production, not the textile industry. This is reported by Reuters.
"Frankly, I don't aspire to the production of T-shirts or socks. We are doing fine in other countries. We need chips, computers, tanks, ships - that's what we're focused on," Trump said, speaking to reporters in New Jersey before boarding Air Force One.
He echoed a statement by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who earlier noted that "the U.S. doesn't necessarily need a thriving textile industry." Those words drew sharp reactions from industry representatives and the National Council of Textile Organizations.
The American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAPA) also criticized:
"97% of all clothing and footwear in the U.S. is imported. It is already one of the most >taxed industries. Additional tariffs will raise costs for manufacturers and prices for consumers, especially low-income consumers," said AAPA President Steve Lamar.
As a reminder, the U.S. imposes 50 percent duties on goods from the EU starting June 1, and is also considering a 25 percent duty on all imported iPhones purchased by Americans. However, the deadline for an agreement with the EU has been postponed until July 9.
Trump, twice elected President of the United States (in 2016 and 2024), is banking on the recovery of American manufacturing. He is appealing to a working class hurt by deindustrialization by promoting tariffs and encouraging investment in the US - despite the economy's continued reliance on cheap foreign supply chains, especially in light manufacturing.