Trump's Executive Order Imposes Auto Tariffs, Prompting Concerns and Swift Responses from Canada and the EU

Washington D.C. - On March 27, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order to implement duties on automobile imports, effective April 3. The order imposes tariffs on certain auto parts, including engines, transmissions, and electrical components. Automobiles imported under CUSMA will be tariffed only on the value of content not made in the United States. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney interrupted his election campaign to address the tariffs, calling them a "direct attack" on Canadian autoworkers and promising swift action. The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the EU would assess the impact of the duties and protect consumers and businesses. Experts and manufacturers, including Brian Kingston, president and CEO of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association, warn of higher costs for manufacturers and consumers. Glenn Stevens Jr., executive director of MichAuto, predicts job losses and increased input costs across the American supply chain.