Trump Pledges to Shift Jobs and Factories from Allies to China, Reports Reuters

By Tim Reid and Gram Slattery

WASHINGTON – Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he plans to “take” manufacturing jobs from foreign nations, including U.S. allies, if he wins the election on November 5. His strategy involves offering incentives to motivate companies to relocate their operations to the United States.

Trump emphasized a “manufacturing renaissance” as the key element of his economic agenda, promising low taxes and minimal regulations to attract foreign companies.

“We will take jobs from other countries,” Trump stated during a rally in Savannah, Georgia, a significant port city and automotive manufacturing hub in the U.S. “We’re going to take their factories.”

The Republican presidential candidate suggested that his administration would trigger a “mass exodus” of manufacturing jobs from allies such as South Korea and Germany, as well as economic competitor China.

This speech marked Trump’s second significant address on economic matters in a month, as he and Vice President Kamala Harris, his Democratic opponent, strive to persuade voters in crucial states like Georgia that they would best manage the U.S. economy.

According to recent opinion polls, the high cost of living and job opportunities are the top concerns for Americans.

Polling data released on Tuesday indicates Harris has narrowed the gap with Trump regarding economic issues. When asked who had a better approach to the economy, unemployment, and jobs, 43% of voters chose Trump while 41% favored Harris. In late July, Trump led Harris by 11 points on economic issues.

Harris is expected to deliver a significant economic address in Pennsylvania on Wednesday, with plans that may focus on helping Americans build and maintain wealth.

During his speech, Trump reiterated that incentives would be available only to foreign companies that moved manufacturing operations to the U.S. and employed American workers.

“I want German car companies to become American car companies. I want them to build their plants here,” he expressed.

Trump also announced that companies not producing goods in the U.S. would face “a very substantial tariff” on their imports. He specifically mentioned plans for a 200% tariff on imports from John Deere if the agricultural equipment manufacturer followed through with plans to move production to Mexico.

The preservation and creation of American manufacturing jobs through broad tariffs on both allies and adversaries form a central pillar of Trump’s economic message.

While Trump and his supporters argue that trade barriers are necessary for safeguarding American industry, many economists caution that such measures could lead to increased inflation.

In addition, Trump promised to offer U.S.-based manufacturers tax incentives for research and development and to allow them to deduct the costs of heavy machinery in the first year. He also vowed to reduce the corporate tax rate from 21% to 15% for those making their products domestically.

He announced plans to appoint a global manufacturing ambassador to persuade foreign companies to relocate to the U.S. Additionally, he proposed creating special low-tax, low-regulation zones on federal land for American manufacturers.

It remains unclear what specific federal lands would be offered to foreign companies or how such arrangements would be implemented. If the land stays under federal control while foreign companies operate on it, these companies could theoretically be exempt from property taxes.

Trump has been unveiling new economic policies that resonate with working- and middle-class voters. These policies include proposals to eliminate federal taxation on tips and overtime.

However, numerous economists warn that such tax cuts could diminish government revenue and significantly increase the federal deficit.