
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 StoryCurrent Status
On Feb. 1, 2025, President Trump issued three executive orders imposing tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
The 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico have been postponed for one month until March 4, 2025. The 10% tariff on Chinese imports took effect on February 4, 2025. These tariffs are in addition to existing import duties and taxes, with no exemptions.
Section 301 China Tariffs
Learn MoreCurrent 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 10% tariff on imports from China was imposed under IEEPA, taking effect on Feb. 4, 2025.
Section 232 Steel and Aluminum Tariffs
Learn MoreCurrent 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 go into effect on March 12, 2025. All previous country exemptions and product exclusions have been eliminated.

On Jan. 9, the Auto Care Association hosted the webinar “Trade and Tariffs in the Trump Administration: Policies, Impacts and Future Outlook.” Led by Patricia Paoletta and Kent Bressie, partners at HWG, the session analyzed the administration’s approach to reshaping global trade dynamics through tariffs and import restrictions aimed at addressing trade imbalances, protecting domestic industries and challenging unfair practices.
The webinar explored key trade statutes and their potential application under the incoming administration, focusing on tools such as the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), Section 301 and Section 232. These mechanisms address national security, unfair trade practices and broader economic challenges. Speakers include:
- Patricia Paoletta, Partner, HWG
- Kent Bressie, Partner, HWG
Latest News

Auto Care Association Responds to Trump Administration’s 25% Tariff on Steel, Aluminum Imports

Auto Care Association Responds to Trump Administration’s Sweeping Tariffs on Canada, Mexico, China
Global Trade and Supply Chain Blog
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.
According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the tentative agreement includes a wage hike of 62% over the life of the 6-year contract. The ILA had been seeking a 77% raise while the USMX had previously offered a nearly 50% raise. While a compromise had been reached regarding wages, other issues including automation and benefits are still being addressed.
In a joint statement, the ILA and USMX said:
"The International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance, Ltd. have reached a tentative agreement on wages and have agreed to extend the Master Contract until January 15, 2025, to return to the bargaining table to negotiate all other outstanding issues. Effective immediately, all current job actions will cease, and all work covered by the Master Contract will resume."
The strike had far-reaching economic implications. As previously shared, the East and Gulf Coast ports account for 60% of the import and export containers through U.S. seaports. The resolution of the wage dispute brings temporary relief to businesses and consumers who were bracing for prolonged disruptions.
As the ports resume full operations, attention now turns to clearing the backlog of containers that built up during the strike. The recovery process will likely take time, as ports work to manage delayed shipments and restore normal operations.
We encourage you to share your port strike impact stories to help support our advocacy efforts on your behalf.
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