Posted by
Auto Care News
on
July 19, 2018
BETHESDA,
Md. – July 19, 2018 – Today, Auto
Care Association President and CEO Bill Hanvey testified before
the Department of Commerce (Commerce) in Washington, D.C. on the Section
232 National Security Investigation of Imports of Automobiles and Automotive
Parts. In Hanvey’s testimony, the Auto Care Association urged the Trump
administration to consider the severity of unintended consequences that may
ensue by imposing of tariffs on imported autos and auto parts, including the
negative impact it may have on the U.S. economy and jobs, our global
competitiveness, and U.S. consumers and families.
“The auto industry has an international footprint and
comprises integrated supply chains that are long and global,” said Hanvey. Hanvey
also noted that imports, including raw materials and intermediate goods, allow
our industry to remain competitive domestically and to export globally, while
supporting a broad range of U.S. jobs.
“A recent economic study completed for the Auto Care
Association found that a 25 percent tariff on imported auto parts could cause a
reduction of 17,800 jobs in the auto parts manufacturing sector, resulting in
$1.4 billion in lost wages,” said Hanvey. “The study further predicts that
6,800 jobs would be lost by vehicle repair shops and an additional 85,200 jobs
would be lost in the auto care wholesale and retail segment due to unperformed
maintenance.
“We support the Trump administration’s efforts to improve
U.S. competitiveness in the global marketplace, but strongly recommend that the
administration refrain from trade restrictions that would undermine the auto
industry,” said Hanvey. “We urge the administration to seek solutions that
protect U.S. investments, facilitate trade and create competitive value chains
that benefit the global growth of our industry.”
In addition to Hanvey’s testimony, the Auto Care Association
submitted comments
to Commerce on June 29 regarding the Section 232 investigation as part of the
public comment process.
For more information about the Auto Care Association’s
current government affairs initiatives surrounding international trade and
tariffs, please visit autocare.org/trade
or contact Aaron Lowe at aaron.lowe@autocare.org.