Pursuant to the ongoing investigation of imports of automobiles and automotive components by the US Department of Commerce (US DOC), the US DOC extended the deadline for public comments on the issue until June 29. It received over 2,100 comments with most expressing concern or potential negative effects on the US economy.
General Motors (GM) filed a comment complaining about the negative impacts broad tariffs would have on the company domestically as well as on its global activities. GM stated, “Increased import tariffs could lead to a smaller GM, a reduced presence at home and abroad for this iconic American company, and risk less not more US jobs.”
The company added that steep tariffs on imported automobiles and auto components “undermines GM’s competitiveness against foreign auto producers by increasing our global costs.” It also added that imports are a key means of competing with manufacturers in lower-wage countries and would promote retaliation against American goods in other markets. GM’s comments also highlighted the increased costs to the end US consumers from the original Section 232 import tariffs on steel and aluminum, duties on Chinese goods, retaliation from partner countries, and additional unforeseen consequences.
Other domestic and international automakers and entities also submitted comments expressing the expected negative effect on the US economy, US jobs and global economy. Volvo and the Organization for International Investment (OFII), for example, also highlighted the lack of national security threat basis for section 232 usage for auto import tariffs.