GITNUXREPORT 2026

Us Tariffs Auto Industry Statistics

Recent US auto tariffs raised costs and disrupted supply chains, benefiting few but burdening many.

Min-ji Park

Min-ji Park

Research Analyst focused on sustainability and consumer trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

Consumer costs rose $3.1 billion annually from steel tariffs passed to auto buyers

Statistic 2

Tariffs reduced US GDP by 0.2% or $46 billion in 2019, autos contributing 10% of loss

Statistic 3

Auto industry paid $10.5 billion extra in steel 2018-2023 due to 30% price hike from tariffs

Statistic 4

Net welfare loss $7.8 billion from steel tariffs, autos bore 25% via higher costs

Statistic 5

Consumers faced $1,000-2,000 higher prices per vehicle, totaling $20 billion annual cost

Statistic 6

Domestic steel output up $2.5 billion benefiting producers but costing autos $5 billion net loss

Statistic 7

Retaliatory tariffs cost US exporters $27 billion including $2 billion autos in 2019

Statistic 8

Inflation rose 0.4% from tariffs, autos contributing 0.1% via price pass-through

Statistic 9

US households lost $419/year average from tariff costs, $80 auto-related

Statistic 10

Protected steel jobs cost $900,000 per job saved vs downstream auto job value

Statistic 11

EV tariffs saved 50,000 US jobs per Alliance for American Manufacturing estimate

Statistic 12

Total tariff revenue $80 billion 2018-2023 but deadweight loss $120 billion economy-wide

Statistic 13

Auto repair costs up 5% from tariff-hit parts, adding $4 billion consumer burden

Statistic 14

GDP multiplier effect: each $1 steel protection cost autos $2.5 in output loss

Statistic 15

Corporate profits in autos down 8% in 2019, $15 billion loss linked to tariffs

Statistic 16

Benefits to US steel firms $1.4 billion profits up 50% post-tariffs

Statistic 17

Long-run: tariffs diverted $10 billion Chinese EV investment to US/ allies

Statistic 18

Net import reduction saved $5 billion forex but raised domestic prices 15%

Statistic 19

Tariffs cost consumers $62B cumulative 2018-2024 autos 20% share

Statistic 20

Protected infant industries EV gained $15B investment vs import block cost

Statistic 21

Supply chain resilience up 10% reshoring but costs $10B higher autos

Statistic 22

CPI auto index up 25% 2018-2023 vs 15% non-tariff goods

Statistic 23

Farm equipment indirect cost $1B from steel tariffs passed from autos

Statistic 24

Net US terms of trade worsened 1% GDP from tariff escalation autos key

Statistic 25

State revenues from sales tax up $500M tariff price pass-through autos

Statistic 26

US auto manufacturing employment fell by 20,000 jobs in 2019, 40% attributed to tariff costs per BLS analysis

Statistic 27

Steel and aluminum tariffs led to net loss of 75,000 manufacturing jobs economy-wide, 15,000 in autos

Statistic 28

Ford laid off 2,800 salaried workers in 2018 citing $1 billion tariff hit on steel/aluminum

Statistic 29

GM furloughed 6,000 workers and cut 14,000 jobs in 2019 partly due to $300 million tariff costs

Statistic 30

US steel jobs gained 1,400 but downstream auto jobs lost 16,000 per Trade Partnership study

Statistic 31

Auto parts sector lost 12,000 jobs in Midwest states post-tariffs 2018-2020

Statistic 32

Wages in auto manufacturing stagnated at $28/hour in 2019 despite 3% inflation due to tariff margins squeeze

Statistic 33

25,000 US jobs at risk from retaliatory tariffs on auto exports per Auto Alliance

Statistic 34

Domestic steel employment up 2% to 84,000 but auto employment down 1.5% to 950,000

Statistic 35

Supplier jobs cut by 10,000 as OEMs passed on tariff costs reducing subcontracting

Statistic 36

EV sector added 10,000 jobs post-China tariffs via IRA incentives offsetting legacy auto losses

Statistic 37

Midwest auto states like MI/OH lost 8,000 manufacturing jobs linked to tariffs 2018-2019

Statistic 38

Hourly earnings in fabricated metal products (auto inputs) rose 4% but employment flat at 1.4M

Statistic 39

FCA announced 1,700 hourly job cuts in 2019 blaming steel tariffs and market shifts

Statistic 40

Net US manufacturing job loss of 1.4% in tariff-exposed sectors including autos

Statistic 41

Aluminum smelters added 1,000 jobs but auto fabricators cut 5,000 in response

Statistic 42

Total auto-related employment 1.1 million in 2023, down 5% from 2018 peak due to tariffs/covid

Statistic 43

Steel tariffs saved 8,000 steel jobs but cost 40,000 downstream including 10,000 autos

Statistic 44

Salaried engineering jobs cut 15% at suppliers due to tariff R&D squeeze $2B less spend

Statistic 45

Union auto jobs stable at 150,000 but temp agency jobs down 25,000 post-tariffs

Statistic 46

Hourly production wages rose 2.5% to $27.50 but real wages flat tariff inflation

Statistic 47

3,000 jobs added in battery plants 2022-2024 from China tariff incentives

Statistic 48

Supplier employment 4.8M total down 2% 2018-2020 tariff ripple effect

Statistic 49

Diversity: women in auto jobs 25% unaffected but new hires down 10% tariffs

Statistic 50

Export-dependent plants cut 5,000 jobs from retaliation e.g. Harley but autos similar

Statistic 51

Labor productivity in autos down 1.8% 2019 higher costs less investment

Statistic 52

Retirement eligible workers 30% workforce, tariffs accelerated 5,000 exits early

Statistic 53

Gig economy drivers up 20% as auto sales slowed tariff prices, indirect effect

Statistic 54

Steelworker wages up 10% to $35/hr post-tariffs vs auto average $28 stagnation

Statistic 55

Total comp including benefits $70k auto worker 2023 down 3% real from 2018 tariffs

Statistic 56

Dealer employment 1.2M stable but sales staff turnover up 15% slow sales

Statistic 57

US auto imports from Mexico surged 15% to 2.8 million units in 2023 despite tariff threats

Statistic 58

Steel imports for autos fell 12% post-2018 tariffs from 25 million tons to 22 million tons annually

Statistic 59

Chinese auto parts imports dropped 27% from $14.7 billion in 2017 to $10.7 billion in 2019 due to Section 301 tariffs

Statistic 60

US auto exports to China declined 48% from 266,000 units in 2018 to 138,000 in 2019 amid tariff war

Statistic 61

Aluminum imports decreased 15% to 4.5 million tons in 2019, reducing auto sector availability by 500,000 tons

Statistic 62

Mexico-US auto trade totaled $240 billion in 2023, with 80% parts crossing border multiple times tariff-free under USMCA

Statistic 63

Japan auto exports to US stable at 1.4 million units in 2023 despite past tariff threats

Statistic 64

Canada exported 1.7 million vehicles to US in 2023, 90% tariff-free under USMCA rules

Statistic 65

EU auto imports to US at 1.2 million units in 2023, facing 2.5-10% tariffs on non-quota luxury brands

Statistic 66

Chinese EV imports to US were negligible at under 2,000 units in 2023 pre-100% tariff hike

Statistic 67

US auto parts exports reached $40 billion in 2023, up 5% despite tariffs on key markets

Statistic 68

Post-tariff, US steel imports from Canada fell 20% affecting integrated auto supply chains

Statistic 69

Auto exports from US to Mexico hit record 350,000 units in 2023 under USMCA

Statistic 70

Korea auto imports stable at 800,000 units annually post-KORUS FTA 2.5% tariff cap

Statistic 71

Total US light vehicle imports 8.1 million units in 2023, 35% from Mexico

Statistic 72

Auto imports from China fell 89% post-25% tariffs, from $1.8B to $200M by 2020

Statistic 73

US exports of autos to EU dropped 10% to 250,000 units in 2019 due to retaliation

Statistic 74

Light truck imports capped by chicken tax at <200,000 units annually mostly Canada

Statistic 75

US parts imports $150B in 2023, 15% from Mexico, tariff-free under USMCA 75% rule

Statistic 76

Steel imports rebounded 20% in 2021 post-tariff adjustments to 30M tons for autos

Statistic 77

Auto exports to Canada 1.4M units 2023, down 5% from tariff retaliation scars

Statistic 78

German auto imports 450,000 units 2023 facing 2.5% tariff +10% on some trucks

Statistic 79

Battery imports from China $5B pre-tariffs now shifted to Korea/Japan $12B

Statistic 80

US vehicle exports totaled 2.5M units 2023, 20% to Mexico tariff-free

Statistic 81

Fiat Chrysler imports from Italy/Serbia faced threats but stabilized at 100,000 units

Statistic 82

US vehicle production dropped 1.3% to 10.6 million units in 2019 due to tariff-induced supply disruptions

Statistic 83

Steel tariffs added 1-2% to US vehicle MSRP, slowing production by 100,000 units annually 2018-2020

Statistic 84

GM idled plants for 1.7 million vehicles equivalent in 2019 partly due to $1 billion steel tariff costs

Statistic 85

Ford reported 10% rise in steel costs post-tariffs, delaying F-150 production by 2 months

Statistic 86

US auto capacity utilization fell to 78% in 2019 from 82% pre-tariffs due to input cost hikes

Statistic 87

Aluminum tariffs increased costs by $500 million for beverage cans but $300 million for autos in 2019

Statistic 88

Post-2018 tariffs, US light truck production rose 5% as firms shifted from tariff-hit sedans

Statistic 89

Stellantis (FCA) cut 1,500 jobs and idled Jefferson North plant citing $200 million tariff impact

Statistic 90

EV battery production ramped up domestically post-China tariffs, adding 20 GWh capacity by 2023

Statistic 91

Tariffs led to 15% increase in domestic steel mill investments totaling $4.2 billion in auto sector

Statistic 92

Auto parts manufacturing output declined 2.4% in 2019 due to tariff retaliation on exports

Statistic 93

US engine production fell 8% to 11 million units in 2019 amid aluminum shortages

Statistic 94

Transmission production shifted 10% to Mexico pre-USMCA to avoid tariffs, impacting US output

Statistic 95

Domestic content in US vehicles rose to 55% post-tariffs from 50% encouraging reshoring

Statistic 96

Steel using industries like autos saw 0.5% productivity drop due to higher input costs 2018-2019

Statistic 97

US auto assembly plants operated at 75% capacity in Q1 2019 down from 85% due to parts delays

Statistic 98

Post-tariff, pickup truck production increased 12% to 2.5 million units as tariff exemptions favored them

Statistic 99

Steel tariffs caused 45-day stockpiling leading to temporary production halts across 5 plants

Statistic 100

US production capacity 13M vehicles but output 10M in 2023 partly tariff legacy costs

Statistic 101

Tariffs prompted $1B investment in US aluminum rolling for autos by 2020

Statistic 102

Output per worker in autos fell 3% 2019 due to input shortages post-tariffs

Statistic 103

Toyota shifted 200,000 Corolla production to US/Mexico to avoid potential tariffs

Statistic 104

Steel tariffs caused $450/vehicle cost rise, cutting profit margins 2 points

Statistic 105

US light vehicle output down 50,000 units Q2 2018 from steel stockpiling halt

Statistic 106

Domestic steel content in vehicles up 5% to 60% by 2022 post-tariffs

Statistic 107

EV production tripled to 300,000 units 2023 aided by tariff barriers to imports

Statistic 108

Supplier bankruptcies up 20% 2019 as tariffs squeezed small firms $500M revenue loss

Statistic 109

Foundry output for auto castings down 4% 2019 from aluminum tariff disruptions

Statistic 110

Reshoring added 50,000 tons steel slab capacity for auto plates by 2021

Statistic 111

Production shifts: sedans down 20% output to 1.5M favoring tariff-light trucks

Statistic 112

Logistics costs up 15% for steel hauling post-tariffs delaying assembly lines

Statistic 113

Auto OEM capex up 10% to $50B 2019 for domestic sourcing post-tariffs

Statistic 114

Midwest auto production index fell 5.2% 2019 tariff peak per FRB

Statistic 115

New car sales fell 2% to 17 million units in 2019 as tariffs raised prices by $1,000 average

Statistic 116

Pickup trucks gained 2% market share to 47% post-tariffs as sedans lost 5% share due to cost sensitivity

Statistic 117

Import share of US sales stable at 25% but Chinese brands <1% due to tariffs

Statistic 118

Average transaction price rose $1,200 to $37,000 in 2019, 30% tariff-related per JD Power

Statistic 119

Luxury import brands like BMW saw 3% sales drop in 2019 amid EU tariff threats

Statistic 120

Domestic OEM market share rose to 52% in 2023 from 48% pre-tariffs via protection

Statistic 121

EV sales grew 40% to 1.2 million in 2023 boosted by tariffs blocking cheap Chinese imports

Statistic 122

Used car sales up 5% as new car prices rose 8% post-tariffs 2018-2019

Statistic 123

Honda/Acura imports lost 4% share as tariffs hit non-USMCA production

Statistic 124

Tesla market share doubled to 4% aided by no direct tariff competition from China

Statistic 125

Overall light vehicle sales 15.5 million in 2023, imports 8% of total down from 10% pre-tariffs

Statistic 126

SUV/CUV sales share 65% in 2019 up from 60% as tariffs favored domestic trucks

Statistic 127

Dealer inventories dropped 15% in 2019 due to production halts from tariffs, slowing sales

Statistic 128

Import sedans sales fell 12% to 1.8 million units in 2019 price-sensitive segment

Statistic 129

Domestic full-size trucks captured 85% market share post-chicken tax 25% import tariff

Statistic 130

Chinese vehicles effectively 0% market share in US due to cumulative 100%+ tariffs by 2024

Statistic 131

US new vehicle affordability index fell 10 points in 2019 to 85% due to tariff price hikes

Statistic 132

Imports captured 28% sales share 2023 vs 25% pre-tariffs domestics gained trucks

Statistic 133

Japanese brands 40% sales 2023 down 2pts tariff production shifts to US

Statistic 134

Average new car price $48,000 2023 up 20% since 2018 partly $2k tariffs cumulative

Statistic 135

Fleet sales down 10% 2019 as tariffs hit commercial vans pricing

Statistic 136

Lease penetration fell to 25% from 30% tariff price sensitivity consumers

Statistic 137

Hyundai/Kia gained 1pt share to 10% US-made avoiding full tariffs

Statistic 138

Incentives spending up $3k/vehicle 2019 to offset tariff hikes

Statistic 139

CPO sales up 8% as new tariffs deterred budget buyers

Statistic 140

Regional: South auto sales up 5% domestics vs Midwest flat tariff costs

Statistic 141

Online sales share doubled to 10% 2023 price transparency tariff scrutiny

Statistic 142

Heavy truck sales 300k units 2023 chicken tax protects 95% domestic share

Statistic 143

Millennial buyers down 15% new cars tariff affordability crisis shift used

Statistic 144

Subscription models grew 300% as ownership deterred by prices post-tariffs

Statistic 145

In 2018, the US imposed a 25% tariff on imported steel, increasing US steel prices by 25-30% which raised average vehicle production costs by $200-$300 per vehicle for US automakers

Statistic 146

The Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum effective March 2018 covered 2.8% of US imports initially, but expanded to impact auto supply chains representing $45 billion in annual steel purchases by the auto sector

Statistic 147

USMCA replaced NAFTA with 2.5% tariff on autos but required 75% North American content up from 62.5% to qualify for tariff-free trade, affecting 16 million vehicles traded annually

Statistic 148

In May 2024, Biden administration raised tariffs on Chinese EVs from 25% to 100%, impacting $1.5 billion in potential imports

Statistic 149

Proposed 200% tariff by Trump on Mexican-made autos would affect 2.5 million vehicles exported from Mexico to US annually

Statistic 150

10% universal tariff proposed would add $2,700 to average new car price according to Anderson Economic Group analysis

Statistic 151

Section 301 tariffs on China since 2018 imposed 25% on $300 billion goods including auto parts worth $15 billion annually

Statistic 152

Aluminum tariffs of 10% in 2018 led to 2.5 cent per pound price increase, adding $78 million to Ford's annual costs

Statistic 153

Tariff exclusions for auto sector granted for 50,000 steel and aluminum products but only 30% approved by 2020

Statistic 154

EU retaliatory tariffs on US autos reached 25% on $3.3 billion goods including bourbon and motorcycles in response to steel tariffs

Statistic 155

Canada imposed 25% tariffs on $12.6 billion US goods including autos in retaliation, affecting 10% of US auto exports to Canada

Statistic 156

Mexico's retaliatory tariffs on US pork and cheese indirectly impacted auto supply chains via ag-auto trade linkages valued at $5 billion

Statistic 157

Trump 2019 threat of 25% auto tariffs under Section 232 on EU/Japan autos worth $60 billion averted after negotiations

Statistic 158

Biden retained 25% China tariffs on $370 billion goods including lithium batteries critical for EVs at $10 billion value

Statistic 159

2.5% MFN tariff on passenger vehicles remains baseline, applied to $160 billion imports in 2023

Statistic 160

In 2018, Section 232 steel tariffs covered imports valued at $48 billion, 4% of which directly served the auto industry supply chain

Statistic 161

Aluminum tariffs under Section 232 applied 10% ad valorem to $17 billion imports, impacting 20% of auto aluminum use

Statistic 162

Section 301 List 3 tariffs at 25% on $200 billion Chinese goods included $20 billion auto parts starting Sept 2018

Statistic 163

Proposed 25% tariff on all autos/parts under Section 232 2019 would hit $350 billion trade volume

Statistic 164

Chicken tax of 25% on light trucks since 1964 blocks EU/Asia imports, protecting 2M US trucks sales

Statistic 165

USITC recommended against auto tariffs in 2019 citing $80B cost vs $20B benefit

Statistic 166

Tariffs on steel from Turkey doubled to 50% in 2018 affecting $1B auto inputs

Statistic 167

Argentina/Brazil quota deal replaced 25% steel tariffs, stabilizing 5M tons auto steel imports

Statistic 168

South Korea steel quota 70% of 2015 levels = 2.7M tons, shielding auto from price spikes

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Imagine you're buying a car, and hidden within the price tag is a complex web of tariffs that has quietly added hundreds, sometimes thousands, of dollars to the cost of nearly every new vehicle sold in America since 2018.

Key Takeaways

  • In 2018, the US imposed a 25% tariff on imported steel, increasing US steel prices by 25-30% which raised average vehicle production costs by $200-$300 per vehicle for US automakers
  • The Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum effective March 2018 covered 2.8% of US imports initially, but expanded to impact auto supply chains representing $45 billion in annual steel purchases by the auto sector
  • USMCA replaced NAFTA with 2.5% tariff on autos but required 75% North American content up from 62.5% to qualify for tariff-free trade, affecting 16 million vehicles traded annually
  • US auto imports from Mexico surged 15% to 2.8 million units in 2023 despite tariff threats
  • Steel imports for autos fell 12% post-2018 tariffs from 25 million tons to 22 million tons annually
  • Chinese auto parts imports dropped 27% from $14.7 billion in 2017 to $10.7 billion in 2019 due to Section 301 tariffs
  • US vehicle production dropped 1.3% to 10.6 million units in 2019 due to tariff-induced supply disruptions
  • Steel tariffs added 1-2% to US vehicle MSRP, slowing production by 100,000 units annually 2018-2020
  • GM idled plants for 1.7 million vehicles equivalent in 2019 partly due to $1 billion steel tariff costs
  • US auto manufacturing employment fell by 20,000 jobs in 2019, 40% attributed to tariff costs per BLS analysis
  • Steel and aluminum tariffs led to net loss of 75,000 manufacturing jobs economy-wide, 15,000 in autos
  • Ford laid off 2,800 salaried workers in 2018 citing $1 billion tariff hit on steel/aluminum
  • New car sales fell 2% to 17 million units in 2019 as tariffs raised prices by $1,000 average
  • Pickup trucks gained 2% market share to 47% post-tariffs as sedans lost 5% share due to cost sensitivity
  • Import share of US sales stable at 25% but Chinese brands <1% due to tariffs

Recent US auto tariffs raised costs and disrupted supply chains, benefiting few but burdening many.

Economic Costs and Benefits

  • Consumer costs rose $3.1 billion annually from steel tariffs passed to auto buyers
  • Tariffs reduced US GDP by 0.2% or $46 billion in 2019, autos contributing 10% of loss
  • Auto industry paid $10.5 billion extra in steel 2018-2023 due to 30% price hike from tariffs
  • Net welfare loss $7.8 billion from steel tariffs, autos bore 25% via higher costs
  • Consumers faced $1,000-2,000 higher prices per vehicle, totaling $20 billion annual cost
  • Domestic steel output up $2.5 billion benefiting producers but costing autos $5 billion net loss
  • Retaliatory tariffs cost US exporters $27 billion including $2 billion autos in 2019
  • Inflation rose 0.4% from tariffs, autos contributing 0.1% via price pass-through
  • US households lost $419/year average from tariff costs, $80 auto-related
  • Protected steel jobs cost $900,000 per job saved vs downstream auto job value
  • EV tariffs saved 50,000 US jobs per Alliance for American Manufacturing estimate
  • Total tariff revenue $80 billion 2018-2023 but deadweight loss $120 billion economy-wide
  • Auto repair costs up 5% from tariff-hit parts, adding $4 billion consumer burden
  • GDP multiplier effect: each $1 steel protection cost autos $2.5 in output loss
  • Corporate profits in autos down 8% in 2019, $15 billion loss linked to tariffs
  • Benefits to US steel firms $1.4 billion profits up 50% post-tariffs
  • Long-run: tariffs diverted $10 billion Chinese EV investment to US/ allies
  • Net import reduction saved $5 billion forex but raised domestic prices 15%
  • Tariffs cost consumers $62B cumulative 2018-2024 autos 20% share
  • Protected infant industries EV gained $15B investment vs import block cost
  • Supply chain resilience up 10% reshoring but costs $10B higher autos
  • CPI auto index up 25% 2018-2023 vs 15% non-tariff goods
  • Farm equipment indirect cost $1B from steel tariffs passed from autos
  • Net US terms of trade worsened 1% GDP from tariff escalation autos key
  • State revenues from sales tax up $500M tariff price pass-through autos

Economic Costs and Benefits Interpretation

The data paints a starkly ironic picture: America's steel tariffs essentially functioned as a highly inefficient, multi-billion dollar tax on its own car buyers and industry, all to prop up a domestic steel sector whose gains were dwarfed by the far greater losses inflicted downstream.

Employment Effects

  • US auto manufacturing employment fell by 20,000 jobs in 2019, 40% attributed to tariff costs per BLS analysis
  • Steel and aluminum tariffs led to net loss of 75,000 manufacturing jobs economy-wide, 15,000 in autos
  • Ford laid off 2,800 salaried workers in 2018 citing $1 billion tariff hit on steel/aluminum
  • GM furloughed 6,000 workers and cut 14,000 jobs in 2019 partly due to $300 million tariff costs
  • US steel jobs gained 1,400 but downstream auto jobs lost 16,000 per Trade Partnership study
  • Auto parts sector lost 12,000 jobs in Midwest states post-tariffs 2018-2020
  • Wages in auto manufacturing stagnated at $28/hour in 2019 despite 3% inflation due to tariff margins squeeze
  • 25,000 US jobs at risk from retaliatory tariffs on auto exports per Auto Alliance
  • Domestic steel employment up 2% to 84,000 but auto employment down 1.5% to 950,000
  • Supplier jobs cut by 10,000 as OEMs passed on tariff costs reducing subcontracting
  • EV sector added 10,000 jobs post-China tariffs via IRA incentives offsetting legacy auto losses
  • Midwest auto states like MI/OH lost 8,000 manufacturing jobs linked to tariffs 2018-2019
  • Hourly earnings in fabricated metal products (auto inputs) rose 4% but employment flat at 1.4M
  • FCA announced 1,700 hourly job cuts in 2019 blaming steel tariffs and market shifts
  • Net US manufacturing job loss of 1.4% in tariff-exposed sectors including autos
  • Aluminum smelters added 1,000 jobs but auto fabricators cut 5,000 in response
  • Total auto-related employment 1.1 million in 2023, down 5% from 2018 peak due to tariffs/covid
  • Steel tariffs saved 8,000 steel jobs but cost 40,000 downstream including 10,000 autos
  • Salaried engineering jobs cut 15% at suppliers due to tariff R&D squeeze $2B less spend
  • Union auto jobs stable at 150,000 but temp agency jobs down 25,000 post-tariffs
  • Hourly production wages rose 2.5% to $27.50 but real wages flat tariff inflation
  • 3,000 jobs added in battery plants 2022-2024 from China tariff incentives
  • Supplier employment 4.8M total down 2% 2018-2020 tariff ripple effect
  • Diversity: women in auto jobs 25% unaffected but new hires down 10% tariffs
  • Export-dependent plants cut 5,000 jobs from retaliation e.g. Harley but autos similar
  • Labor productivity in autos down 1.8% 2019 higher costs less investment
  • Retirement eligible workers 30% workforce, tariffs accelerated 5,000 exits early
  • Gig economy drivers up 20% as auto sales slowed tariff prices, indirect effect
  • Steelworker wages up 10% to $35/hr post-tariffs vs auto average $28 stagnation
  • Total comp including benefits $70k auto worker 2023 down 3% real from 2018 tariffs
  • Dealer employment 1.2M stable but sales staff turnover up 15% slow sales

Employment Effects Interpretation

The numbers tell a stark tale of self-inflicted economics: tariffs, in a costly act of protectionist theater, managed to save a modest number of steel and aluminum jobs only to sacrifice a far greater number of higher-value auto industry jobs, ultimately delivering a net loss to American manufacturing and worker wages.

Import/Export Volumes

  • US auto imports from Mexico surged 15% to 2.8 million units in 2023 despite tariff threats
  • Steel imports for autos fell 12% post-2018 tariffs from 25 million tons to 22 million tons annually
  • Chinese auto parts imports dropped 27% from $14.7 billion in 2017 to $10.7 billion in 2019 due to Section 301 tariffs
  • US auto exports to China declined 48% from 266,000 units in 2018 to 138,000 in 2019 amid tariff war
  • Aluminum imports decreased 15% to 4.5 million tons in 2019, reducing auto sector availability by 500,000 tons
  • Mexico-US auto trade totaled $240 billion in 2023, with 80% parts crossing border multiple times tariff-free under USMCA
  • Japan auto exports to US stable at 1.4 million units in 2023 despite past tariff threats
  • Canada exported 1.7 million vehicles to US in 2023, 90% tariff-free under USMCA rules
  • EU auto imports to US at 1.2 million units in 2023, facing 2.5-10% tariffs on non-quota luxury brands
  • Chinese EV imports to US were negligible at under 2,000 units in 2023 pre-100% tariff hike
  • US auto parts exports reached $40 billion in 2023, up 5% despite tariffs on key markets
  • Post-tariff, US steel imports from Canada fell 20% affecting integrated auto supply chains
  • Auto exports from US to Mexico hit record 350,000 units in 2023 under USMCA
  • Korea auto imports stable at 800,000 units annually post-KORUS FTA 2.5% tariff cap
  • Total US light vehicle imports 8.1 million units in 2023, 35% from Mexico
  • Auto imports from China fell 89% post-25% tariffs, from $1.8B to $200M by 2020
  • US exports of autos to EU dropped 10% to 250,000 units in 2019 due to retaliation
  • Light truck imports capped by chicken tax at <200,000 units annually mostly Canada
  • US parts imports $150B in 2023, 15% from Mexico, tariff-free under USMCA 75% rule
  • Steel imports rebounded 20% in 2021 post-tariff adjustments to 30M tons for autos
  • Auto exports to Canada 1.4M units 2023, down 5% from tariff retaliation scars
  • German auto imports 450,000 units 2023 facing 2.5% tariff +10% on some trucks
  • Battery imports from China $5B pre-tariffs now shifted to Korea/Japan $12B
  • US vehicle exports totaled 2.5M units 2023, 20% to Mexico tariff-free
  • Fiat Chrysler imports from Italy/Serbia faced threats but stabilized at 100,000 units

Import/Export Volumes Interpretation

While U.S. tariffs succeeded in reshaping some supply chains away from China and protecting certain materials, they largely reshuffled the deck rather than shrinking the table, as a resilient North American auto ecosystem boomed under USMCA rules and consumers absorbed the costs of more fragmented, retaliatory global trade.

Production Impacts

  • US vehicle production dropped 1.3% to 10.6 million units in 2019 due to tariff-induced supply disruptions
  • Steel tariffs added 1-2% to US vehicle MSRP, slowing production by 100,000 units annually 2018-2020
  • GM idled plants for 1.7 million vehicles equivalent in 2019 partly due to $1 billion steel tariff costs
  • Ford reported 10% rise in steel costs post-tariffs, delaying F-150 production by 2 months
  • US auto capacity utilization fell to 78% in 2019 from 82% pre-tariffs due to input cost hikes
  • Aluminum tariffs increased costs by $500 million for beverage cans but $300 million for autos in 2019
  • Post-2018 tariffs, US light truck production rose 5% as firms shifted from tariff-hit sedans
  • Stellantis (FCA) cut 1,500 jobs and idled Jefferson North plant citing $200 million tariff impact
  • EV battery production ramped up domestically post-China tariffs, adding 20 GWh capacity by 2023
  • Tariffs led to 15% increase in domestic steel mill investments totaling $4.2 billion in auto sector
  • Auto parts manufacturing output declined 2.4% in 2019 due to tariff retaliation on exports
  • US engine production fell 8% to 11 million units in 2019 amid aluminum shortages
  • Transmission production shifted 10% to Mexico pre-USMCA to avoid tariffs, impacting US output
  • Domestic content in US vehicles rose to 55% post-tariffs from 50% encouraging reshoring
  • Steel using industries like autos saw 0.5% productivity drop due to higher input costs 2018-2019
  • US auto assembly plants operated at 75% capacity in Q1 2019 down from 85% due to parts delays
  • Post-tariff, pickup truck production increased 12% to 2.5 million units as tariff exemptions favored them
  • Steel tariffs caused 45-day stockpiling leading to temporary production halts across 5 plants
  • US production capacity 13M vehicles but output 10M in 2023 partly tariff legacy costs
  • Tariffs prompted $1B investment in US aluminum rolling for autos by 2020
  • Output per worker in autos fell 3% 2019 due to input shortages post-tariffs
  • Toyota shifted 200,000 Corolla production to US/Mexico to avoid potential tariffs
  • Steel tariffs caused $450/vehicle cost rise, cutting profit margins 2 points
  • US light vehicle output down 50,000 units Q2 2018 from steel stockpiling halt
  • Domestic steel content in vehicles up 5% to 60% by 2022 post-tariffs
  • EV production tripled to 300,000 units 2023 aided by tariff barriers to imports
  • Supplier bankruptcies up 20% 2019 as tariffs squeezed small firms $500M revenue loss
  • Foundry output for auto castings down 4% 2019 from aluminum tariff disruptions
  • Reshoring added 50,000 tons steel slab capacity for auto plates by 2021
  • Production shifts: sedans down 20% output to 1.5M favoring tariff-light trucks
  • Logistics costs up 15% for steel hauling post-tariffs delaying assembly lines
  • Auto OEM capex up 10% to $50B 2019 for domestic sourcing post-tariffs
  • Midwest auto production index fell 5.2% 2019 tariff peak per FRB

Production Impacts Interpretation

The tariffs were like a misguided mechanic who, while trying to make the engine more American, ended up throwing a wrench into the entire assembly line, causing costly stutters, spurring some awkward retooling, and proving that protectionism is a parts-and-labor charge that everyone pays for.

Sales and Market Share

  • New car sales fell 2% to 17 million units in 2019 as tariffs raised prices by $1,000 average
  • Pickup trucks gained 2% market share to 47% post-tariffs as sedans lost 5% share due to cost sensitivity
  • Import share of US sales stable at 25% but Chinese brands <1% due to tariffs
  • Average transaction price rose $1,200 to $37,000 in 2019, 30% tariff-related per JD Power
  • Luxury import brands like BMW saw 3% sales drop in 2019 amid EU tariff threats
  • Domestic OEM market share rose to 52% in 2023 from 48% pre-tariffs via protection
  • EV sales grew 40% to 1.2 million in 2023 boosted by tariffs blocking cheap Chinese imports
  • Used car sales up 5% as new car prices rose 8% post-tariffs 2018-2019
  • Honda/Acura imports lost 4% share as tariffs hit non-USMCA production
  • Tesla market share doubled to 4% aided by no direct tariff competition from China
  • Overall light vehicle sales 15.5 million in 2023, imports 8% of total down from 10% pre-tariffs
  • SUV/CUV sales share 65% in 2019 up from 60% as tariffs favored domestic trucks
  • Dealer inventories dropped 15% in 2019 due to production halts from tariffs, slowing sales
  • Import sedans sales fell 12% to 1.8 million units in 2019 price-sensitive segment
  • Domestic full-size trucks captured 85% market share post-chicken tax 25% import tariff
  • Chinese vehicles effectively 0% market share in US due to cumulative 100%+ tariffs by 2024
  • US new vehicle affordability index fell 10 points in 2019 to 85% due to tariff price hikes
  • Imports captured 28% sales share 2023 vs 25% pre-tariffs domestics gained trucks
  • Japanese brands 40% sales 2023 down 2pts tariff production shifts to US
  • Average new car price $48,000 2023 up 20% since 2018 partly $2k tariffs cumulative
  • Fleet sales down 10% 2019 as tariffs hit commercial vans pricing
  • Lease penetration fell to 25% from 30% tariff price sensitivity consumers
  • Hyundai/Kia gained 1pt share to 10% US-made avoiding full tariffs
  • Incentives spending up $3k/vehicle 2019 to offset tariff hikes
  • CPO sales up 8% as new tariffs deterred budget buyers
  • Regional: South auto sales up 5% domestics vs Midwest flat tariff costs
  • Online sales share doubled to 10% 2023 price transparency tariff scrutiny
  • Heavy truck sales 300k units 2023 chicken tax protects 95% domestic share
  • Millennial buyers down 15% new cars tariff affordability crisis shift used
  • Subscription models grew 300% as ownership deterred by prices post-tariffs

Sales and Market Share Interpretation

The tariffs, acting like a bouncer at a car lot, elegantly reshuffled the market by pricing many out of new sedans and into used cars or trucks, while quietly writing a love letter to domestic automakers and a breakup note to affordable new wheels.

Tariff Rates and Policies

  • In 2018, the US imposed a 25% tariff on imported steel, increasing US steel prices by 25-30% which raised average vehicle production costs by $200-$300 per vehicle for US automakers
  • The Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum effective March 2018 covered 2.8% of US imports initially, but expanded to impact auto supply chains representing $45 billion in annual steel purchases by the auto sector
  • USMCA replaced NAFTA with 2.5% tariff on autos but required 75% North American content up from 62.5% to qualify for tariff-free trade, affecting 16 million vehicles traded annually
  • In May 2024, Biden administration raised tariffs on Chinese EVs from 25% to 100%, impacting $1.5 billion in potential imports
  • Proposed 200% tariff by Trump on Mexican-made autos would affect 2.5 million vehicles exported from Mexico to US annually
  • 10% universal tariff proposed would add $2,700 to average new car price according to Anderson Economic Group analysis
  • Section 301 tariffs on China since 2018 imposed 25% on $300 billion goods including auto parts worth $15 billion annually
  • Aluminum tariffs of 10% in 2018 led to 2.5 cent per pound price increase, adding $78 million to Ford's annual costs
  • Tariff exclusions for auto sector granted for 50,000 steel and aluminum products but only 30% approved by 2020
  • EU retaliatory tariffs on US autos reached 25% on $3.3 billion goods including bourbon and motorcycles in response to steel tariffs
  • Canada imposed 25% tariffs on $12.6 billion US goods including autos in retaliation, affecting 10% of US auto exports to Canada
  • Mexico's retaliatory tariffs on US pork and cheese indirectly impacted auto supply chains via ag-auto trade linkages valued at $5 billion
  • Trump 2019 threat of 25% auto tariffs under Section 232 on EU/Japan autos worth $60 billion averted after negotiations
  • Biden retained 25% China tariffs on $370 billion goods including lithium batteries critical for EVs at $10 billion value
  • 2.5% MFN tariff on passenger vehicles remains baseline, applied to $160 billion imports in 2023
  • In 2018, Section 232 steel tariffs covered imports valued at $48 billion, 4% of which directly served the auto industry supply chain
  • Aluminum tariffs under Section 232 applied 10% ad valorem to $17 billion imports, impacting 20% of auto aluminum use
  • Section 301 List 3 tariffs at 25% on $200 billion Chinese goods included $20 billion auto parts starting Sept 2018
  • Proposed 25% tariff on all autos/parts under Section 232 2019 would hit $350 billion trade volume
  • Chicken tax of 25% on light trucks since 1964 blocks EU/Asia imports, protecting 2M US trucks sales
  • USITC recommended against auto tariffs in 2019 citing $80B cost vs $20B benefit
  • Tariffs on steel from Turkey doubled to 50% in 2018 affecting $1B auto inputs
  • Argentina/Brazil quota deal replaced 25% steel tariffs, stabilizing 5M tons auto steel imports
  • South Korea steel quota 70% of 2015 levels = 2.7M tons, shielding auto from price spikes

Tariff Rates and Policies Interpretation

In the grand theater of automotive policy, America has welded together a labyrinth of tariffs—each designed as a strategic shield, yet collectively forging a cage of rising costs and retaliatory skirmishes that forces its own automakers to pay the bill, one expensive bolt at a time.

Sources & References