WASHINGTON, March 30 -- US President Donald Trump said he "couldn't care less" if automakers raise prices in response to his planned 25 per cent tariffs on imported vehicles.

Speaking to NBC News on Saturday, he dismissed concerns that higher prices would hurt consumers, insisting that the tariffs would boost American car sales.

"I hope they raise their prices, because if they do, people are going to buy American-made cars," Trump said, repeating "I couldn't care less" multiple times.

The remarks also appear to be the first indication that Trump understood the effects of his tariffs that he insists were a tax on other countries.

The tariffs, set to take effect next week, will impact a US$240 billion (RM1.1 trillion) trade route, with ...