POLITICS

Car Makers Set For a Bumpy Ride

Mon Feb 03 2025
In a recent move, US automakers are facing challenging times. The new tariffs on goods coming in from Canada, Mexico and China will likely add strain. A heavy barrier to these items crossing US borders has been put in place. When we speak of these goods, we're talking about cars, car parts, machines, transmissions, and more. These tariffs, set to start at 12:01 AM on Tuesday, will make new cars, trucks and their parts more expensive. Consumers in the US will feel the sting. Let us explore the impact of these tariffs on American car manufacturers in detail. The cost of doing business will significantly increase For manufacturers, the damage is not immediate. It rests deeply in the supply chain. General Motors leads the pack of American carmakers. Their primary battleground is Mexico. 842, 000 cars were produced in Mexico last year. This accounts for a large chunk of their output. These cars are key to their business model. The Mexican division is deeply tied to their success. Quick math shows us that the increase in cost will be absorbed by all the players involved. The manufacturing process begins with cars built and shipped from countries like Mexico, China, and others. The process is full of cost. Chinese auto parts and components make up a sizable portion of the budget of many carmakers. These tariffs will affect car prices. Revenue streams for American companies will be recomputed due to these adjustments. Suddenly, buying a car will cost more. Prices are going far beyond usual. This is because tariffs have a massive impact of all consumer goods, not just cars. Automakers may need to change how they do business to adapt to these tariffs. The new tariffs will pose new challenges. Auto manufacturers must be strategic to continue. Companies like General Motors may need to alter their local production. Other manufacturers may be forced to change their business models to remain profitable. International trade has its challenges for all interested parties. Things get tricky when costs rise. Prices and wages, consumer behavior will change, and there are more things left unknown.