‘Big Three’ Automakers State Opposition to New Tariffs

Steel and aluminum tariffs recently placed on Canada, Mexico and the European Union undermine the U.S. auto industry, according to the organization representing the interests of Ford Motor Co., General Motors Co. and FCA US.

“The imposition of tariffs on our trading partners in the EU, Canada and Mexico will undermine the global competitiveness of the US auto industry and invites retaliation from our trading partners,” said Governor Matt Blunt, president of the American Automotive Policy Council (AAPC). “While we fully understand the desire to take action against nations whose unfair trade practices have led to global overcapacities in steel and aluminum, we would urge the administration to continue to negotiate with close trading partners and allies such as the EU, Canada and Mexico.”

AAPC is a Washington, D.C. association that represents the common public policy interests of the Big Three U.S. car makers, FCA US, Ford and GM.

In its formal comments submitted to the Commerce Department on the 232 steel and aluminum investigations, AAPC highlighted the fact that its automakers source the vast majority of the steel and aluminum used in U.S.-built cars and trucks from American mills and smelters. AAPC also noted that the U.S. automotive industry purchases about 15 percent of the steel consumed in the U.S. and nearly 38 percent of all aluminum used in our country.

In another statement, AAPC said the Big Three remains “committed to U.S. investment as a key part of growing the American economy and exporting to markets across the globe. Together, FCA US, Ford and General Motors’ unwavering commitment to innovation, research and technology development, advanced manufacturing and investment in human capital helps drive America’s economic success, solidifying the U.S. as a competitive global leader.”