Trump 'surprised' by Harley-Davidson move to shift work out of US

US President Donald Trump has hit back at the American motorcycle manufacturer after it announced that it will move some of its production out of the Unites States.

President Donald Trump has tweeted a response to the Harley-Davidson decision. Source: AAP

US President Donald Trump said Monday he was "surprised" by Harley-Davidson's decision to shift some manufacturing of its iconic motorcycles overseas to avoid European tariffs, amid a tit-for-tat trade spat between Washington and Brussels.

"Surprised that Harley-Davidson, of all companies, would be the first to wave the White Flag," Trump said on Twitter.

"I fought hard for them and ultimately they will not pay tariffs selling into the E.U., which has hurt us badly on trade, down $151 Billion. Taxes just a Harley excuse - be patient!"