Tariffs and Trade
Tariffs & Trade Impacting the Automotive Aftermarket Latest News
The Auto Care Association is actively monitoring this evolving situation and will provide updates as new information emerges. Check this page regularly for the latest developments.
Has your business been impacted by Tariffs?
We welcome your feedback to help us better understand and assess the impact of these tariffs on our industry and businesses. Please share with us by contacting Angela Chiang, director, international affairs, at angela.chiang@autocare.org.
Share Your Impact Story
Current Status
Effective Mar. 7, 2025, imports from Mexico and Canada that meet USMCA rules of origin are exempt from the additional IEEPA duties. Imports that do not satisfy USMCA rules of origin are subject to a 25% tariff rate. Energy products from Canada and potash from Mexico and Canada are subject to a reduced tariff rate of 10%.
Note that many products imported from Mexico and Canada were already duty-free under MFN rates, making USMCA declarations unnecessary. Under the new policy, importers must document and ensure USMCA compliance (if eligible) to be exempt from the IEEPA tariffs. Otherwise, the 25% IEEPA tariff would apply.
Current Status
The Section 301 China tariffs implemented in 2018-2019 remain in effect, with most tariff rates unchanged since their initial implementation. While some product exclusions have been extended, the majority have expired, except for a limited set scheduled to expire on May 31, 2025.
Additionally, a new 20% tariff on imports from China was imposed under IEEPA, taking effect on Mar. 4, 2025.
Current Status
On Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, President Trump signed a proclamation expanding the Section 232 tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum, eliminating all country exemptions and tariff-rate quotas.
The new steel and aluminum tariffs went into effect on Mar. 12, 2025. All previous country exemptions and product exclusions have been eliminated.
Latest News
-
March 17, 2025
Trade and Tariffs Update: March 17, 2025
The latest update on trade and tariffs provided to Auto Care Association members.
-
March 4, 2025
USTR Proposes Fees on Chinese Ships Entering U.S. Ports
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) published a notice proposing new measures targeting China's growing dominance in the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors. The proposal includes significant port entry fees on Chinese shipping companies and any Chinese-built vessels that enter U.S. ports. It also introduces new requirements for a portion of U.S. exports to be transported on U.S.-built and U.S.-flagged vessels.
-
March 3, 2025
U.S. Initiates Section 232 Investigation on Imports of Copper
On Feb. 25, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order directing the U.S. Department of Commerce to investigate the national security implications of copper imports.
-
February 1, 2025
Trade and Tariffs in the Trump Administration Webinar Recap
The Auto Care Association hosted the webinar “Trade and Tariffs in the Trump Administration,” analyzing its policies, impacts and approach to reshaping global trade dynamics.
-
January 27, 2025
President Trump’s ‘America First Trade Policy’: Key Areas of Focus and Potential Impacts
On Jan. 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued a presidential action titled “America First Trade Policy,” outlining a comprehensive trade policy strategy focused on U.S. economic and national security by addressing trade imbalances and unfair trade practices.
-
October 7, 2024
Port Strike Tentatively Resolved, with Automation, Job Protection Remaining as Key Issues
The ILA and USMX reached a tentative agreement to end the three-day strike at East and Gulf Coast ports, extending the contract through Jan. 15, 2025, while automation and job protection issues remain unresolved.
-
October 4, 2024
ILA and USMX Reach Tentative Agreement to End East and Gulf Coast Port Strike
On Oct. 3, 2024, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance, Ltd. (USMX) representing ocean carriers and marine terminal operators, announced that they have reached a tentative agreement to suspend the East and Gulf Coast port strikes until Jan. 15, 2025.
Press Releases
Press Release Auto Care Association Responds to Trump Administration’s 25% Tariff on Steel, Aluminum Imports
Press Release Auto Care Association Responds to Trump Administration’s Sweeping Tariffs on Canada, Mexico, China
