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.
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Current Status
As of Mar. 4, 2025, the 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, initially postponed, are now in effect. The tariff on imports from China was initially set at 10% on Feb. 4, 2025, and increased to 20% on Mar. 4, 2025.
These tariffs, imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) through executive orders issued by President Trump on February 1, 2025, apply in addition to existing import duties and taxes, with no exemptions.
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 go into effect on Mar. 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
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
Global Trade and Supply Chain Blog
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
