Articles tagged with "tariffs"
The Effect Of Tariffs On The Auto Industry — It's Not Just EV Manufacturers That Are Hurting - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the widespread negative impact of tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on the global auto industry, affecting not only electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers but the entire automotive supply chain. Tariffs ranging from 7.5% to 25% on automobiles and auto parts have significantly increased production costs, leading to higher vehicle prices for consumers. The complex network of suppliers, many of which are small to midsize companies with slim profit margins, is particularly vulnerable. These suppliers face pressure to adapt by diversifying production, which introduces inefficiencies and longer lead times. Additionally, the shift toward electric vehicles adds uncertainty, as many combustion engine parts may become obsolete, while the administration’s policies favoring internal combustion engines further cloud the industry's future. Internationally, the tariffs are straining relationships with key automotive trading partners such as Japan, Germany, South Korea, China, and Canada. These countries have large automotive parts sectors employing hundreds of thousands of workers, and the tariffs are driving up costs and threatening jobs.
energyelectric-vehiclesautomotive-industrytariffssupply-chainmanufacturingmaterialsTrump To US Farmers: Drop Dead While I Help Argentina
The article criticizes former President Donald Trump for neglecting U.S. farmers who supported his 2020 election bid, highlighting that instead of providing them relief from the damaging effects of his trade wars, tariffs, and inflation, his administration arranged a $20 billion bailout package for Argentina. This aid, announced by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent shortly before a government shutdown, included currency swaps and other financial assistance, benefiting Argentine economic interests rather than American agricultural producers. The article suggests that this bailout disproportionately favors hedge fund manager Rob Citrone, who has significant investments in Argentine debt and companies and reportedly has close ties to Bessent. The piece further underscores the irony that while U.S. farmers face hardships, including loss of undocumented labor and lack of federal clean energy support, Argentina is gaining a competitive edge in global agricultural markets, especially with increased soybean exports to China. The article also references criticism from Democratic members of Congress who argue that Argentina’s newfound competitiveness harms American farmers and calls on readers to express their
energyclean-energyagriculturetariffsbailouttrade-warsinflationIndustry experts react to U.S. robotics tariff proposal - The Robot Report
The U.S. Department of Commerce has initiated a Section 232 investigation into imports of robotics, industrial machinery, personal protective equipment, and medical devices, with the potential to impose tariffs aimed at bolstering domestic manufacturing and national security. This move is part of broader efforts by the current administration to compete more effectively with China, which currently leads the world in industrial robot usage, possessing five times the operational stock of industrial robots compared to the U.S. The investigation, begun on September 2 but not immediately publicized, targets a wide range of equipment including CNC machines, automated tools, and robots, intending to encourage reshoring and foreign investment in U.S. production. Industry experts and robotics leaders have expressed concerns about the potential tariffs. Startup founders and executives at robotics events noted that much of the world’s industrial automation comes from Asian and European suppliers, which U.S. companies rely on for quality components necessary for reshoring efforts. They also highlighted the challenge posed by increased H-1B visa fees
roboticsindustrial-automationtariffsmanufacturingU.S.-China-tradereshoringindustrial-robotsThe Trump administration is going after semiconductor imports
The Trump administration is reportedly considering a new policy aimed at boosting U.S. semiconductor production by enforcing a 1:1 manufacturing ratio. Under this approach, domestic semiconductor companies would be required to produce as many chips in the U.S. as their customers import from overseas manufacturers. Companies failing to meet this ratio could face tariffs, although the timeline for achieving this target remains unclear. This move is part of President Donald Trump’s broader efforts, initiated in August, to impose tariffs on the semiconductor industry and encourage reshoring of chip manufacturing. While the ratio-based policy could eventually increase domestic chip production, it poses significant challenges in the short term. Semiconductor manufacturing plants are complex and costly to build, with long lead times before becoming operational. For example, Intel’s Ohio plant, initially expected to open in 2025, has been delayed until 2030. Meanwhile, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has announced plans to support chip production infrastructure in the U.S., but details remain sparse. The proposed
materialssemiconductor-manufacturingchip-productiontariffssupply-chaintechnology-policyUS-manufacturingThe Trump admin is going after semiconductor imports
The Trump administration is reportedly considering a new policy aimed at boosting U.S. semiconductor production by enforcing a 1:1 manufacturing ratio. Under this approach, U.S. semiconductor companies would be required to produce domestically the same number of chips as their customers import from overseas. Companies failing to meet this ratio could face tariffs, although the timeline for achieving this target remains unclear. This move follows President Trump's discussions since August about imposing tariffs on the semiconductor industry to encourage reshoring of chip manufacturing. While the ratio-based policy could eventually increase domestic semiconductor output, it poses risks to the U.S. chip industry in the short term, as manufacturing capacity is currently insufficient to meet demand. Building new semiconductor fabrication plants is a complex and lengthy process, exemplified by Intel’s Ohio plant, which has been delayed multiple times and now aims to open in 2030. Meanwhile, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has announced plans to support U.S. chip production infrastructure, though details are sparse. Overall,
materialssemiconductorchip-manufacturingtariffssupply-chainUS-manufacturingtechnology-policyTechCrunch Mobility: The triple punch headed for automakers
The article from TechCrunch Mobility highlights the mounting challenges facing automakers, particularly electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers like Rivian, Lucid, Ford, and GM. Key concerns include the elimination of certain federal EV tax credits under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which also diminishes the value of zero-emissions regulatory credits. These financial shifts are causing uncertainty about EV profitability and supply chain stability, with companies wary of supplier disruptions and the broader economic impact. Additionally, tariffs and trade policy risks remain significant, especially as automakers brace for a new 100% tariff on semiconductor chips—a critical component in modern vehicles. Since automakers typically do not produce chips themselves, they may need to rely on domestic suppliers to qualify for exemptions, though details on this policy remain unclear. The article also touches on broader industry dynamics, such as Chinese autonomous vehicle technology companies reportedly repatriating to the U.S. despite ongoing trade tensions, signaling shifting strategies in global tech investments. In related mobility news
energyelectric-vehiclesautomotive-industrysemiconductor-chipstariffsbattery-productiontrade-policyRecurrent Sees Gas Car Tipping Point In The Near Future, Despite New Tariffs - CleanTechnica
The article discusses Recurrent, an organization focused on accelerating the transition to electric vehicles (EVs), highlighting its data-driven insights that predict a near-term tipping point where gas-powered cars will decline significantly. According to Recurrent CEO Scott Case, states like California have already reached a stage where EV sales approach 30% of new car sales, triggering a decline in the number of gas cars on the road. This tipping point is expected in other states such as Colorado and Washington by 2026. The reasoning is that as older gas cars are retired annually, a growing share of new EV sales leads to an overall reduction in gas vehicles, even before EVs reach 50% of new sales. However, the article also outlines significant challenges facing the EV revolution, particularly in the U.S. political and economic landscape. The influence of fossil fuel industries has led to weakened environmental regulations and policies that favor traditional energy sources. Additionally, recent U.S. Commerce Department tariffs on Chinese battery-grade graphite—an essential
energyelectric-vehiclesEV-salesfossil-fuelsbattery-materialstariffsclean-transportationTariffs and the Difference between Chinese BEVs & PHEVs - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the impact of rising tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) in Europe, highlighting a surprising exemption for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Chinese original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) had primarily focused on battery electric vehicles (BEVs) for the European market, with PHEVs as a secondary consideration. However, the success of the BYD Seal U PHEV suggests a strategic shift toward PHEVs, as tariffs have made BEVs less competitive compared to local European models. A detailed comparison of the best-selling Chinese BEVs (MG 4, BYD Seal, BYD Dolphin) against European competitors (VW ID.3 and ID.7) reveals that while Chinese models offer competitive range and pricing, European models often excel in DC fast charging speed and efficiency. For instance, the VW ID.3 is cheaper and charges almost twice as fast as the Chinese BEVs, while the VW ID.7 offers superior range and features despite a higher price than
energyelectric-vehiclesBEVsPHEVstariffscharging-technologyautomotive-industryUS to get rare earths upfront as Trump unveils 55% China tariff plan
U.S. President Donald Trump announced a tentative trade framework with China that includes upfront deliveries of critical rare earth minerals and industrial magnets to the U.S. supply chain, alongside a total tariff rate of 55 percent on Chinese imports. This deal also involves the U.S. honoring prior commitments related to Chinese students studying in American institutions, marking a reversal from recent stricter policies. Trump touted the agreement as a "great WIN" for both countries, emphasizing closer trade collaboration with Chinese President Xi Jinping. However, officials clarified that the 55 percent tariff figure consolidates existing duties rather than representing a new increase from the previous 30 percent rate. The announcement follows quiet negotiations in London aimed at reviving talks after months of trade tensions marked by escalating tariffs and retaliations. While the deal offers temporary clarity on rare earth supplies—vital for manufacturing electric vehicles and defense equipment—it also underscores the volatility of Trump’s trade strategy, which has fluctuated between tariff hikes and reversals. Despite ongoing legal challenges,
rare-earth-mineralsrare-earth-magnetsUS-China-tradetariffssupply-chaincritical-materialsindustrial-magnetsPoll: Large majority of Canadians favour more open car market with better access to affordable Chinese and European EVs - Clean Energy Canada
A recent survey by Abacus Data for Clean Energy Canada reveals strong Canadian support for a more open vehicle market with greater access to affordable electric vehicles (EVs), particularly from Chinese and European manufacturers. While 53% of Canadians favor lowering the current 100% tariff on Chinese EVs to balance industry protection and affordability, 29% support removing the tariff entirely to reduce costs and avoid trade retaliation. Only 19% want to maintain the full tariff. This consensus spans political affiliations, indicating broad cross-partisan agreement. Additionally, 70% of respondents back allowing the sale of any vehicle meeting European safety and environmental standards, which would increase the availability of smaller, more affordable EV models in Canada. The survey also highlights that 58% of Canadians want to uphold Canada’s current tailpipe emission standards, aligning with stricter U.S. regulations under President Biden and California’s policies, while only 18% support weakening these standards. Interest in purchasing EVs as the next vehicle has decreased by 13 points since 2022, with 45% expressing certainty or likelihood to buy one. However, enthusiasm remains higher among younger Canadians, residents of Quebec and British Columbia, and urban populations in regions like Metro Vancouver (69% favor EVs) and the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area (55-62% favor EVs depending on information provided). Clean Energy Canada emphasizes that the main barrier to EV adoption is high sticker prices, and Canadians want access to high-quality, lower-cost electric cars from global markets.
energyelectric-vehiclesclean-energytariffsemission-standardsvehicle-marketCanadaEVs aren’t being forced on Canadians — if anything, they’re being withheld from them - Clean Energy Canada
The article from Clean Energy Canada challenges the narrative that governments are forcing Canadians to buy electric vehicles (EVs), presenting evidence that many Canadians are actually eager to adopt EVs. A recent Abacus Data survey shows that 45% of Canadians intend to purchase an EV as their next vehicle, with higher interest in urban areas and among younger demographics. Despite this demand, Canada risks falling behind global EV adoption trends due to market barriers, including a pause in national and provincial EV incentives and restrictive trade policies. A key factor limiting EV availability and affordability in Canada is the country’s protectionist stance, particularly its 100% tariff on Chinese EVs, implemented to align with U.S. policies. This tariff contrasts with Europe’s more moderate approach and has effectively blocked many lower-cost, high-quality EV models from entering the Canadian market. The article argues that openness to Chinese automakers fosters competition and innovation, benefiting consumers and accelerating EV adoption. Additionally, harmonizing vehicle approval standards with Europe could expand consumer choice by allowing popular models like the Renault 5 to enter Canada. Public opinion supports reducing tariffs and increasing EV options, with many Canadians favoring lower or no tariffs on Chinese EVs and broader market access. The article emphasizes that protecting Canadian manufacturing jobs remains important, but a balanced approach is needed—one that opens the market to more competition while investing in domestic industry and maintaining fair regulations. Measures such as price caps on EV rebates or bonus incentives for affordable EVs could further enhance accessibility. Overall, the piece highlights that Canadians are not being forced into EVs; rather, they are being underserved by a closed market that limits access to affordable and diverse electric vehicles.
energyelectric-vehiclesclean-energyautomotive-industrytariffsEV-adoptiongreen-technologyAnalysts Say Trump Trade Wars Would Harm the Entire US Energy Sector, From Oil to Solar
energytrade-warstariffsrenewable-energyoil-and-gasUS-economyglobal-recessionFord hikes Mustang Mach-E price due to Trump’s tariffs
energyelectric-vehiclesMustang-Mach-Etariffsautomotive-industryEV-pricingFordRivian earnings: EV maker cuts delivery guidance because of Trump’s tariffs and trade wars
energyelectric-vehiclesEVsautomotive-industrytariffscapital-expenditureRivianRivian’s reportedly sitting on a stockpile of tariff-free batteries
energybatteriesRivianelectric-vehiclestariffslithium-iron-phosphatesupply-chainAmazon Prime Day to return in July despite threat of tariffs
Amazon-Prime-Daytariffse-commerceconsumer-demandsales-eventWhite-Housepolitical-impact