Automakers Bristle at Trump Administration Demand for Sensitive Data
- Commerce Department sends questionnaire in import probe
- Agency considering tariffs on imported cars under trade law
Production at the Ford Motor Co. assembly plant in Louisville, Kentucky.
Photographer: Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg
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The U.S. Commerce Department has asked automakers to reveal some of their most closely held secrets as part of its investigation of whether tariffs on imported cars and components are needed to safeguard national security.
A 34-page questionnaire from the department’s Bureau of Industry and Security was sent to several automakers this month, seeking sensitive details about company finances, factories, supply chains and other topics.