The convoy blockaded the Ambassador Bridge, which carries a quarter of all trade between Canada and the U.S., causing a $300 million loss in one week due to disrupted cross-border trade and production slowdowns.
USMCA, signed by Trump in 2020, allows duty-free trade of cars if they meet North American production and wage requirements. A 25% tariff by Trump would violate this agreement, prompting potential retaliation from Canada and Mexico.
It would increase costs, affecting both finished vehicles and parts supply chains, potentially raising the average new vehicle price by a significant amount.
The 'chicken tax' is a tariff on imported light trucks, which led to the relocation of pickup truck manufacturing from overseas to North America.
Some see job security benefits if tariffs compel companies to manufacture more in the U.S., while others worry about the broader economic impact on consumer goods prices.
The tariff is seen as a negotiating tactic rather than a long-term policy, but companies are preparing for the possibility, especially given Trump's history of policy changes.
You never know if president-elect Donald Trump is bluffing, but when you have billions of dollars on the line, you have to take him seriously. So car companies took notice, when Trump announced a plan for huge new tariffs in a social media post before Thanksgiving.A 25 percent tax on imports from Canada and Mexico would have a major impact on the car industry, which depends heavily on cross border trade.Trump's tariffs could have huge consequences for the people who make cars, and the people who buy them. Even if he's bluffing, he has other big plans to shake up the auto industry.For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org).Email us at [email protected]).Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices)NPR Privacy Policy)