Feed aggregator

Top administration officials said Sunday that more than 50 countries targeted by President Donald Trump’s new tariffs have reached out to begin negotiations over the sweeping import taxes that have sent financial markets reeling, raised fears of a recession and upended the global trading system. The higher rates are set to be collected beginning Wednesday, ushering in a new era of economic uncertainty with no clear end in sight. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said unfair trade practices are not “the kind of thing you can negotiate away in days or weeks.” The United States, he said, must see “what the countries offer and whether it’s believable.” Trump, who spent the weekend in Florida playing golf, posted online that “WE WILL WIN. HANG TOUGH, it won’t be easy.” His Cabinet members and economic advisers were out in force Sunday defending the tariffs and downplaying the consequences for the global economy. “There doesn’t have to be a recession. Who knows how the market is going to react in a day, in a week?” Bessent said. “What we are looking at is building the long-term economic fundamentals for prosperity.” Trump’s tariff blitz, announced April 2, fulfilled a key campaign promise as he acted without Congress to redraw the rules of global trade. It was a move decades in the making for Trump, who has long denounced foreign trade deals as unfair to the U.S. He is gambling that voters will be willing to endure higher prices for everyday items to enact his economic vision. Countries are scrambling to figure out how to respond to the tariffs, with China and others retaliating quickly. Top White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett acknowledged that other countries are “angry and retaliating,” and, he said, “by the way, coming to the table.” He cited the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative as reporting that more than 50 nations had reached out to the White House to begin talks. Adding to the turmoil, the new tariffs are hitting American allies and adversaries alike, including Israel, which is facing a 17% tariff. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to visit the White House Monday, with his office saying the tariffs would be a point of discussion with Trump along with the war in Gaza and other issues. Another American ally, Vietnam, a major manufacturing center for clothing, has also been in touch with the administration about the tariffs. Trump said Vietnam’s leader said in a telephone call that his country “wants to cut their Tariffs down to ZERO if they are able to make an agreement with the U.S.” And a key European partner, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, said she disagreed with Trump’s move but was “ready to deploy all the tools — negotiating and economic — necessary to support our businesses and our sectors that may be penalized.” Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick made clear there was no postponing tariffs that are days away. “The tariffs are coming. Of course they,” he said, adding that Trump needed to reset global trade. But he committed only to having them “definitely” remain “for days and weeks.” In Congress, where Trump’s Republican Party has long championed free trade, the tariff regiment has been met with applause but also significant unease. Several Republican senators have already signed onto a new bipartisan bill that […]

A political firestorm erupted Thursday after Republican Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio referred to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer as “Fuhrer Schumer,” invoking the title of Adolf Hitler. “Here’s the main thing you’ve got to understand,” Moreno told reporters while discussing President Donald Trump’s tax proposals. “Republicans are independently minded. Democrats are monolithic sheep that follow the Fuhrer Schumer’s orders.” The incendiary comment was immediately denounced by Jewish leaders and civil rights organizations. A spokesperson for Schumer responded tersely, saying, “That’s textbook antisemitism, so we won’t comment on it.” Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, issued a blistering condemnation on social media: “It’s despicable and inexcusable to compare a Jewish leader in the Senate to Adolf Hitler. Nazi analogies in politics trivialize the Holocaust and the memory of the 6 million Jews who were murdered, including dozens of members of Sen. Schumer’s own family.” Somewhat similarly, in March, President Trump said that Schumer “used to be Jewish” and had “become a Palestinian” — a remark widely panned as both antisemitic and Islamophobic. “Schumer is a Palestinian as far as I’m concerned,” Trump said at the time. “He’s not Jewish anymore. He’s a Palestinian.” Trump also once said that Schumer was a “proud member of Hamas.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu and the Israeli government submitted a formal response to the High Court of Justice, dismissing the petitions against the dismissal of Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar as baseless and unfounded. They characterized the legal efforts to block Bar’s removal as “nonsense” and said the challenges lacked “legal foundation, an appropriate cause, and a factual basis.”

Representing the government was attorney Zion Amir, appointed to the role independently, as Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara declined to defend the firing, having publicly opposed it.

In his legal filing, Amir argued that the petitions represented an inappropriate judicial overreach into executive authority, stating they were “an attempt to expropriate from the hands of the government of Israel, and by extension from the hands of the public which elected it, its authority and most foundational obligation for the security of the State of Israel and its citizens.”

Amir asserted that the legal challenge was not aimed at ensuring due process but rather at reshaping the balance of power between branches of government. He warned that the move sought to “overturn governmental arrangements” by enabling “the judicial branch to take the reins of government from the executive branch,” especially in a manner that contradicts the 2002 statute granting the prime minister and cabinet authority over appointments and dismissals at Shin Bet.

“The court is not the forum to determine who heads the Shin Bet. It does not have the authority, it does not have the tools, and it does not have the responsibility which stems from these decisions, which are all in the hands of the public through its elected officials,” wrote Amir.

Those challenging Bar’s removal maintain that, while the government does hold the formal right to appoint or dismiss the Shin Bet chief, the act must still adhere to accepted principles of administrative law and remain open to judicial scrutiny.

The petitioners allege that the decision to terminate Bar’s tenure was driven not by professional judgment but by political motives. They claim Netanyahu was angered by Bar for personal reasons, noting that the Shin Bet is currently investigating allegations that close associates of Netanyahu worked on behalf of Qatar while also serving as his media advisers.

Bar, in a letter to the High Court on Friday, asserted that Netanyahu repeatedly pressured him to inform judges in the prime minister’s corruption trial that Netanyahu couldn’t consistently appear in court because of ongoing national security responsibilities.

Bar stated that his refusal to comply with those demands led to the breakdown in trust between himself and Netanyahu.

In his letter, Bar emphasized that his loyalty lay with his professional duties, not to any political leader. He wrote that he upheld “professional independence” rather than showing “personal loyalty” to the prime minister.

“The head of the Shin Bet is not the trusted servant of the prime minister or any other diplomatic or political figure,” Bar wrote.

Reports suggest that Netanyahu made those requests last year during heightened conflict with Hezbollah, which had joined the fray following Hamas’s October 7, 2023, assault. That month, a Hezbollah drone shattered a window at Netanyahu’s home in Caesarea.

At the time, Netanyahu sought to indefinitely postpone his corruption trial, citing fears that Hezbollah could target the Yerushalayim District Court, where he was expected to testify regularly. Ultimately, the court transferred the trial to Tel Aviv’s fortified courthouse basement instead.

Bar also indicated in his letter that he had refused directives to use Shin Bet resources against Israeli citizens, hinting that the agency was being pressured to surveil anti-government demonstrators.

He further expressed concern over the implications of his dismissal, warning that it could harm the Shin Bet’s future integrity. He asked the High Court to intervene and reverse the decision, suggesting that proceeding with the dismissal during the so-called “Qatargate” investigation would send a “clear message.”

In a rebuttal, Netanyahu’s office harshly criticized Bar’s claims, calling them “tainted with severe conflict of interest” and accusing him of spreading falsehoods. The statement specifically denied Bar’s suggestion that Netanyahu asked the agency to target Israeli citizens, calling it “something that never happened.”

Netanyahu has said his trust in Bar was shattered in the aftermath of Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack.

{Matzav.com Israel}

New York City Mayor Eric Adams declared during a podcast appearance this week that he believes the “deep state” is not Trump conspiracy theory but a reality in American government. Speaking with comedian Andrew Schulz on the Flagrant podcast Wednesday, Adams said, “I don’t want to sound [like a] conspiracy theorist, but there’s a permanent government. There are people that see presidents and mayors come and go. Their attitude is, ‘We’ll wait you out.’” Adams, who earlier this week announced he would leave the Democratic Party and run for re-election as an independent, also praised Government Gangsters, a controversial 2023 book by former Trump administration official Kash Patel. The book claims to expose entrenched bureaucratic resistance to elected leaders — often referred to as the “deep state.” When Schulz challenged the overuse of the term, Adams pushed back. “It’s not used too much. It’s real, brother,” he said. “Kash was in the Department of Defense. He was in the FBI. He prosecuted terrorists. So he comes with this wealth of knowledge… what this ‘deep state’ is about and why it’s so important for Americans that we cannot have a weaponizing of our prosecutorial powers.” Adams then turned his focus to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York (SDNY), which brought bribery charges against him last year. The allegations accused Adams of soliciting campaign donations and lavish travel from Turkish nationals and other foreign entities in exchange for political favors — charges that were dropped this week “with prejudice” at the request of the Trump Justice Department, permanently closing the case. “Now imagine the Southern District of New York — that’s one of the most powerful U.S. attorney’s offices. In their mind, they said, ‘We’re sovereign.’ You know what that means?” he asked Schulz. “They don’t have to answer to anyone… not the president, not the U.S. attorney in Washington, not the attorney general. They believe they’re a sovereign entity.” The mayor questioned the lack of accountability for powerful federal prosecutors. “You’re not elected,” he said of the SDNY. “Imagine an entity believing they don’t have to answer to anyone.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

On Sunday, Israeli Defense Minister Yisroel Katz paid a visit to the Technical Intelligence and Spoils Collection Unit, where he received a detailed overview from unit leaders regarding the group’s work in gathering intelligence and operational data.

During his visit, Katz disclosed a significant document that links Iran to the atrocities committed on October 7. “I am here visiting the Technical Intelligence and Spoils Collection Unit, a special unit created during the Swords of Iron War and based on reservists who bring extensive knowlage from their civilian fields and developed a national ability that didn’t exist before – an intelligiance capability that currently holds critical matireials that were physically collected from deep in the field: the archives of Hamas, Hezbollah, and other senisitive intelligiance materials.”

He continued by unveiling new findings that suggest Tehran’s direct involvement in supporting Hamas leaders Yahyeh Sinwar and Mohammed Deif. “Today, for the first time, I present a call log that was found in the Hamas tunnels in Gaza, which proves a direct connection between Iran and Yahyeh Sinwar and Mohammed Deif, showing Iran’s support for Hamas’s plan to destroy Israel. In the document, they demand that the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corp’s Quds Force transfer 500 million dollars for the destruction of Israel,” Katz stated.

The defense minister noted that the Iranian leadership responded to Hamas’s appeal despite internal hardships. “The head of the Palestinian wing in the IRGC, Ezadi, complied with the request and answered that, despite Iran’s tough economic state and the Iranian population’s distress, it will continue to transfer funds to Hamas since the fight against Israel and the US is the Iranian regime’s top priority.”

In closing, Katz delivered a sharp warning about Iran’s central role in regional instability. “The conclusion is clear: Iran is the head of the snake and despite all its denials in recent days, even now, it sponsors and advances terror on all fronts, from Gaza, through Lebanon, Judea, and Samaria, and now with the Houthis in Yemen as well under the flag of destroying Israel. Israel will do everything to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and will continue to hit its agents in the area until the Iranian axis of evil is crushed and collapsed.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

Iranian MP, Mohammad Qasim Osmani, called for the rapid advancement of nuclear weapon development, arguing that such capabilities would enhance national security and fortify Iran’s leverage in diplomatic talks.

The IDF publishes a video showing the downing of a drone launched at Israel from Yemen by the Iran-backed Houthis on Friday night. The clip shows the drone being intercepted by an IAF helicopter.

The Israeli Air Force struck over 130 targets in the Gaza Strip over the weekend, the military says, publishing footage of the attacks. The strikes over the weekend targeted Hamas operatives and members of other terror groups, along with infrastructure, including tunnels and command centers.

A federal judge is for the second time ordering the Trump administration to return a Maryland man who was mistakenly sent to a notorious prison in El Salvador, blasting the U.S. government in a ruling Sunday that noted a now-suspended Justice Department lawyer admitted he didn’t know why the man was being held. The order from U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis reaffirms a ruling she gave days earlier, shooting down arguments that the government can’t facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia because he is no longer in U.S. custody. “As defendants acknowledge, they had no legal authority to arrest him, no justification to detain him, and no grounds to send him to El Salvador — let alone deliver him into one of the most dangerous prisons in the Western Hemisphere,” Xinis wrote. “Having confessed grievous error, the defendants now argue that this Court lacks the power to hear this case, and they lack the power to order Abrego Garcia’s return.” The Justice Department has asked the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to pause Xinis’ ruling. Abrego Garcia, a 29-year-old Salvadoran national, was arrested in Maryland and deported last month despite an immigration judge’s 2019 ruling that shielded him from deportation to El Salvador, where he faced likely persecution by local gangs. Abrego Garcia had a permit from DHS to legally work in the U.S. and that he was a sheet metal apprentice pursuing a journeyman license, his attorney said. His wife is a U.S. citizen. The White House has described Abrego Garcia’s deportation as an “administrative error” but has also cast him an MS-13 gang member. Attorneys for Abrego Garcia said there is no evidence he was in MS-13. In her order Sunday, Xinis referenced earlier comments from now-suspended Justice Department attorney Erez Reuveni in which Reuveni said: “We concede he should not have been removed to El Salvador” and that he responded “I don’t know” when asked why Abrego Garcia was being held. The Justice Department placed Reuveni on leave after he made the comments. Attorney General Pam Bondi, in an interview on “Fox News Sunday,” likened Reuveni’s comments to “a defense attorney walking in, conceding something in a criminal matter.” “That would never happen in this country,” she said. “So he’s on administrative leave now and we’ll see what happens.” (AP)

SHOCK VIDEO: This happened on the West Side Highway today (date on video is incorrect). This is a reminder about not speeding through flooded lanes on a roadway. The driver suffered minor injuries.

In a joint operation, the Central Unit of the Yerushalayim District Police, in coordination with the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet), successfully thwarted a detailed terror plan that was set to unfold in the capital. The would-be attacker, an Arab resident of Yerushalayim, had constructed pipe bombs and obtained knives, with the intention of striking during the month of Ramadan.

Over the past several weeks, the Shin Bet and the Yerushalayim Central Police Unit investigated the suspect, suspecting that he was preparing for multiple types of assaults. These included pipe bomb attacks at various sites around Yerushalayim, as well as car-ramming and stabbing attempts targeting Jewish civilians and security personnel.

Last month, investigators from the Yerushalayim District, under the guidance of the Shin Bet, apprehended a man in his twenties from the Shuafat “Refugee” Camp located in the northeastern part of the city. During interrogation, he confessed that he was plotting to plant explosive devices on the city’s light rail, inside buses, and in eateries in Yerushalayim’s southern neighborhoods. He had already taken steps toward realizing those plans and had begun learning how to manufacture explosive devices. He reportedly acquired materials such as pipes, matchboxes, fireworks, and other components necessary for assembling pipe bombs.

At a certain point in his planning, the individual expanded his ambitions to include a combined vehicle-ramming and knife attack. He began taking driving lessons and purchased large knives, which he stored at his residence in preparation for the attack.

As Ramadan approached, the terrorist finalized his plans to carry out the attack at a prominent intersection in Yerushalayim. In addition to continuing his driving practice, he sought to obtain a vehicle specifically for use in the assault, after which he planned to proceed with stabbing his victims.

Investigators discovered that the suspect aspired to die as a martyr, saying he wanted to be a “Shaheed,” and that he would listen to Quranic verses in order to motivate himself to carry out deadly assaults against Jews.

Following the investigation, authorities were able to compile sufficient evidence against the suspect. His detention has been extended as required, and the Yerushalayim District Prosecutor is preparing to file a formal indictment in the case.

{Matzav.com Israel}

WATCH: Sen Mullin: “This isn’t a ‘trade war.’ This is balancing our economy with countries that have taken advantage of us. There’s countries, for decades, that have got rich over the backs of the workers here in America… I applaud President Trump for having a backbone…”

Secretary Rollins: “This whole concept is about rebuilding an American economy around American goods, around American industry, Mexico won’t take our corn. Australia won’t take our beef … It is time for a change.”

Ben Shapiro calls Trump’s tariffs the largest tax increase on Americans in history that will decimate the economy, and one that stems from a complete misunderstanding of how international trade works and a misunderstanding of trade deficits.

Another day of anti-Hamas protests. This one was in Jabaliya.

Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg on Sunday instructed Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara to respond within 18 days – by April 24, 2025 – to a petition filed by the Lavi organization claiming a severe personal conflict of interest in her handling of proceedings related to the current Shin Bet head, Ronen Bar, and former Shin Bet head, Nadav Argaman. The petition states that Baharav-Miara maintains close and long-standing personal relationships with Bar and Argaman, stemming from their deep acquaintance with her husband, a former Shin Bet member. According to publications, Bar and Argaman accompanied the family over the years in personal visits and meetings – connections that have never been denied by the Attorney General, who chose to respond to inquiries on matter with “no comment.” Despite these connections, Baharav-Miara has personally involved herself in opposing Ronen Bar’s dismissal from his position as head of the Shin Bet – contrary to the government’s position. She is also personally involved in a petition filed by Argaman regarding the government commission of inquiry on spyware – again, contrary to the government’s position. The petition claims that this conduct clearly violates Shin Bet regulations, the rules of ethics for public servants, and the conflict of interest arrangement signed by the Attorney General herself, according to which she must refrain from handling the affairs of relatives or friends who may influence her judgment. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

Until a few years ago, Brooklyn College has hosted some of Jewish Music’s most iconic concerts. This Pesach, SING Entertainment will be bringing the concert scene back to Brooklyn with shows for the whole family, and for women & girls. Until a few years ago, Brooklyn College has hosted some of Jewish Music’s most iconic concerts. This Pesach, SING Entertainment will be bringing the concert scene back to Brooklyn with shows for the whole family, and for women & girls. SING Entertainment, known for their stellar reputation producing unforgettable concerts has announced a pair of exciting Chol Hamoed concerts set to take place this Pesach in Brooklyn, with proceeds going to vital tzedaka organizations. For the 3rd Pesach in a row, SING is producing a show for the entire family to enjoy, this year featuring superstars Mordechai Shapiro and Zusha at an afternoon concert on Thursday, April 17. With music by Blue Melody Group and a performance by special guest Yaakov Rosenblum, this is set to be a unique and unforgettable Chol Hamoed outing for all to enjoy. Doors open at 2:00 PM, show time 3:00 PM. This show is benefitting the invaluable work of Bonei Olam and is brought to you by Whee – a product of SR Play, Following the incredible success of last pesach’s SOLD-OUT Chayala Neuhaus concert, “HeartStrings 2” will take place on Wednesday, April 16, starring Chayala Neuhaus. This sensational evening for women and girls will also feature guest stars Mindy Blatt and Leeba Garfunkel, famed MC Yaffa Palti, and the debut of an all new girls choir. The show will also include music by the all-women Melodica Band, and include surprise guests. Doors open 6:30 PM, show time 7:30 PM. This show will also highlight the incredible work of Bridges. “This year is going to be special,” SING Entertainment’s founder Eli Ickowics says, “We’ve really pushed ourselves to raise the bar at every level. This year’s lineup of performers is fresher. The shows are longer. The quality is higher in every way.” On top of their New York shows, SING Entertainment is also putting on “the Eretz Hakodesh Experience” live in Orlando on Tuesday, April 14, presented by Chabad of South Orlando, starring Mordechai Shapiro, Baruch Levine, and 8th Day. Tickets are available for purchase at  https://t.ly/FUyZZ

Elon Musk appeared to diverge sharply from the Trump administration’s latest moves on trade policy, taking direct aim at White House trade adviser Peter Navarro and voicing support for a no-tariff arrangement between the United States and Europe.

Musk’s remarks came on the heels of President Trump’s broad announcement of new tariffs targeting nearly all of America’s trading allies, a move that triggered a major market downturn.

As a result of the stock selloff, Musk’s own fortune took a hit, dropping by an estimated $11 billion.

The Tesla and SpaceX CEO took to social media yesterday to issue blunt criticism of Navarro, who has been a key player in crafting Trump’s protectionist economic policies.

“A PhD in Econ from Harvard is a bad thing, not a good thing. Results in the ego/brains>>1 problem,” Musk posted on X, replying to someone who had praised Navarro’s tariff arguments.

Speaking remotely to an event hosted by Italy’s right-leaning League Party in Florence, Musk, whose temporary government advisory role is slated to end next month, went on to express his preference for unfettered trade between Europe and the US.

“At the end of the day, I hope it’s agreed that both Europe and the United States should move ideally, in my view, to a zero tariff situation, effectively creating a free trade zone between Europe and North America,” Musk said.

Last Wednesday, President Trump declared a new round of trade restrictions, including a flat 10% tariff on most imports from countries with trade surpluses with the US. The European Union was singled out for a 20% general tariff.

“If people wish to work in Europe or wish to work in North America, they should be allowed to do so in my view,” Musk told League chief Matteo Salvini during their exchange, adding that this “has certainly been my advice to the president.”

Musk has met with Salvini and other conservative leaders in Europe in the past and has voiced alignment with some of their views, including those promoted by the League Party.

In response to Trump’s tariff rollout, Italian Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti, another League member, cautioned against retaliatory measures, urging a lowering of tensions with Washington.

The implementation of Trump’s tariffs — including the across-the-board 10% import duty already in place and additional levies set to take effect midweek — has sent shockwaves through global markets.

In just five trading days, the Dow Jones has fallen by 3,068 points, the S&P 500 has dropped 454 points, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq has plummeted 1,458 points, marking one of the most turbulent weeks for Wall Street in recent memory.

Tesla, which does a sizable portion of its business in Europe, has not been immune to the effects of rising political tensions and growing competition from Chinese automakers. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association, Tesla’s European sales slumped by 42.6% during the first two months of the year.

Musk has long cautioned against aggressive trade barriers, reiterating his stance in a podcast appearance last year.

“I think you need to be careful with tariffs,” Musk told Joe Rogan. “I deal a lot with supply chain issues like the global automotive supply chain for Tesla is incredibly complex. So when there are sudden changes in tariffs … it messes everything up.”

“You want to have tariffs be predictable so that tariffs can adjust their supply chain,” he added. “I think companies are more than happy to increase manufacturing in America, it’s just that you can’t do it instantly.”

In recent years, Musk’s political posture has leaned more openly toward free-market conservatism, aligning himself with the economic philosophies of Milton Friedman and other vocal critics of trade restrictions.

{Matzav.com}

The maker of Jaguar and Land Rover cars is pausing shipments to the U.S. as Britain’s struggling auto industry begins to respond to the 25% tax on vehicle imports imposed by President Donald Trump. Jaguar Land Rover Automotive, one of Britain’s biggest carmakers, said Saturday that the pause would take place this month. “The USA is an important market for JLR’s luxury brands,” the company said in a statement. “As we work to address the new trading terms with out business partners, we are taking some short-term actions including a shipment pause in April, as we develop our mid- to longer-term plans.” Analysts said they expect other British carmakers to follow suit as the increased tariffs heap more pressure on an industry that is already struggling with declining demand at home and the need to retool their plants for the transition to electric vehicles. “I expect similar stoppages from other producers as firms take stock of what is unfolding,” said David Bailey, an automotive industry expert and professor of business economics at the University of Birmingham. The number of cars made in the U.K. dropped 13.9% to 779,584 vehicles last year, according to the SMMT. More than 77% of those vehicles were destined for the export market. U.K. factories export cars such as Nissan’s Qashqai and Juke, BMW Mini, and Toyota Corolla, as well as Land Rover and Jaguar models. “The industry is already facing multiple headwinds and this announcement comes at the worst possible time,” Mike Hawes, chief executive of the U.K.’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said last week. “SMMT is in constant contact with government and will be looking for trade discussions to accelerate as we need to secure a way forward that supports jobs and economic growth on both sides of the Atlantic.” U.K. carmakers have already taken steps to lessen the immediate impact of the tariffs by building stockpiles in the U.S. before the increase took effect. SMMT figures show that exports to the U.S. jumped 38.5% from a year earlier in December, 12.4% in January and 34.6% in February. “This was manufacturers like JLR trying to get ahead of the game in terms of getting inventory to the U.S. before the tariffs were implemented,” Bailey said. British carmakers shipped 8.3 billion pounds ($10.7 billion) worth of vehicles to the U.S. in the 12 months through September, making cars the single biggest goods export to the U.S., according to government statistics. But cars make up a relatively small part of overall trade between Britain and the U.S., which is heavily weighted toward services. Britain exported 179.4 billion pounds ($231.2 billion) of goods and services to the U.S. in the year through September, with services making up 68.2% of that figure. (AP)