China lifts export ban following Trump-Xi meeting, allowing flow of Nexperia chips to resume China has reversed export restrictions on critical automotive semiconductors following a meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, though European manufacturers remain cautious about the speed and scope of the resumption. Ilkhan Ozsevim James McLoughlin
China to ensure Nexperia chip trade resumes, White House says With the ongoing dispute between chipmaker Nexperia’s Dutch leadership and its operations in China yet to be resolved, a White House fact sheet has confirmed that China is working to resume the flow of Nexperia semiconductors to the rest of the world. James McLoughlin
Volvo Cars, VW and more warn about Nexperia chip shortage Volvo Cars and VW have warned that the ongoing shortage in supply of Nexperia semiconductors could affect production. Megan Kelly James McLoughlin
AIAG provides forced labour guidance for Mexican automotive supply chains The Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) has released guidance on forced labour requirements in Mexico for the automotive industry. Megan Kelly
Stellantis invests $10bn in US manufacturing, reports say, while tariff negotiations continue New CEO Antonio Filosa is reportedly looking to localise US manufacturing while tariff discussions with the US government continue. Ilkhan Ozsevim Megan Kelly
Editor's recap blog: The most important insights from ALSC Global Following the 25th edition of Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global, where industry leaders discussed the new supply chain paradigm of creating stability in an era of uncertainty, we'll be posting updates including Red Sofa interviews, analysis and features with the key insights from this year's event. Megan Kelly
VW Group offers US localisation in tariff negotiations VW Group is in advanced talks with the US government about making substantial investments in the US, as part of its ongoing negotiations for favourable tariffs. Megan Kelly
Cost pressure and tariff turmoil major concerns for inbound logistics says survey The results of the first "Automotive Inbound Logistics Survey", carried out in partnership with DP World, reveal that the automotive logistics sector is responding with fortitude to the cost pressures, tariff turmoil and supply chain disruption affecting the sector in 2025. Automotive Logistics
Tariff analysis deep dive: The most important changes for the auto industry How regional tariff updates and expanded tariffs on parts and components such as aluminium and steel derivatives are affecting OEMs, suppliers and LSPs. Megan Kelly
US immigration raid Hyundai Metaplant battery site and arrest 475 workers US immigration authorities arrested 475 workers at Hyundai’s Metaplant in the US state of Georgia in a raid carried out on September 4. Marcus Williams Anushka Dixit
Six OEMs join AIAG in requiring additional forced labour due diligence from suppliers For the first time, six leading carmakers with the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) have come together in a joint letter to require suppliers to complete new forced labour due diligence. Megan Kelly
Panama Canal to sell two new ports and boost competition The Panama Canal Authority is aiming to sell the rights to two new planned ports within its zone, in a bid to improve competitiveness among ocean carriers. Megan Kelly
US implements 50% tariffs on India The US administration has implemented tariffs of 50% on goods imported to the country from India, effective immediately. Megan Kelly
US and EU trade deal details: How auto industry will be affected The US and the European Union (EU) have revealed the details of the trade framework agreed to last month, while other regions file disputes against US tariffs. Megan Kelly
Overhaul acquires FreightVerify to increase visibility In-transit supply chain risk management firm Overhaul has acquired visibility platform FreightVerify to increase end-to-end control and tracking of shipments. Megan Kelly
US extends 50% steel and aluminium tariffs, driving auto supply chain risk The US administration has extended the scope of 50% import tariffs for steel and aluminium goods, adding more than 400 additional items to the levy. Megan Kelly
Maersk raises profit forecast as global container volumes increase Shipping firm Maersk has increased its forecast profit for the full year, expecting global container volumes to rise by 2-4% in 2025 compared to last year. Megan Kelly
JLR profits halve due to US tariffs JLR’s profits before tax almost halved in the second quarter of this year compared to the same time in 2024, down from £693m to £351m, with an EBIT margin of 4%, due to the impact of the US tariffs. Megan Kelly
US tariff changes: Visual map of key trade rates Recent trade deals have been changing tariff rates for various countries, seeing some drop from previously threatened higher tariffs, while others have increased. Each rate holds consequences for the automotive industry, potentially shifting supply chains and flows as OEMs, suppliers and logistics providers alike attempt to ascertain the most optimal, efficient and cost-effective transport routes and markets. Anushka Dixit
Ford recalls 312,000 vehicles as product cycles speed up Ford has recalled 312,000 vehicles across five different 2025 models due to potential failure of the Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) while driving or using the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) feature. If the EBB fails, it can cause a loss of power brake assist. Megan Kelly
IAF strikes hijacked Galaxy Leader car carrier The sinking of the hijacked carrier marks a new phase in regional instability, amplifying concerns over the vulnerability of automotive shipping routes through the Red Sea. Marcus Williams
Latest tariff and trade updates affecting automotive industry Explore how Trump's evolving tariffs reshape global automotive supply chains and industry dynamics. Megan Kelly
Can supply chains adapt faster than the automotive market changes? As automotive supply chains navigate rising trade barriers, accelerating electrification and fragmented digital tools, industry leaders explored how logistics must lead through disruption. Emily Uwemedimo
Rare earth magnet shortage disrupts global auto production China produces almost 70% of rare earth magnets but exports are now tied up in lengthy license applications, prompting supply and shortage concerns. Charlie Blackie-Kelly
How Magna keeps the bugs out of wooden packaging for international shipments Packaging automotive parts for international shipments is subject to strict phytosanitary regulations on pest control. Magna International’s Bridget Grewal details the cost of contamination and the strategies for treatment. Marcus Williams
Trump tariffs back on following appeal of US Trade Court's block Trump has appealed a decision made by US court that blocked his ‘reciprocal’ tariffs, ruling he lacked authority under emergency powers to impose reciprocal trade measures. Megan Kelly
Nissan looking at ways to secure UK vehicle production including through Chinese joint venture Nissan is looking at ways to secure production at its Sunderland plant amidst global cuts and that could include joint production with a Chinese EV partner. Marcus Williams
Potential US tariff cuts reshape global vehicle trade talks with EU, UK, China and more US president Donald Trump is reportedly set to lower tariff rates on countries that are negotiating in “good faith”, while imposing ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs on those who are not, according to US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. Megan Kelly
US-UK auto trade deal lowers vehicle import tariffs to 10% but caps UK exports at 100,000 vehicles US-UK trade deal reduces tariffs on vehicles and steel imports with immediate effect, offering some relief for carmakers – but further details remain unclear. Megan Kelly
When disruption won’t quit, the 2025 Finished Vehicle Logistics conference shared how to stay balanced and agile The Finished Vehicle Logistics North America 2025 conference revealed how leading OEMs are redesigning logistics to thrive amid trade shocks, EV disruption and capacity constraints. From agile planning to modular networks and EV-ready lanes, Automotive Logistics unpacks the sector’s shift from fragile to future-ready. Emily Uwemedimo
US automotive part tariffs come into effect as Ford forecasts $1.5bn hit and suspends financial guidance Automotive part import tariffs are now in force in US, with Ford warning of $1.5bn loss as industry faces widespread production disruptions. Megan Kelly
Nissan is to cease Wuhan production by March 2026 amid fierce competition and financial strain in China Nissan Motor Co. will shutter its Wuhan plant by March 2026, grappling with low output, fierce competition from Chinese EV makers, and a projected ¥750 billion ($5bn) loss. This retreat underscores the challenges facing foreign automakers in China. Ilkhan Ozsevim
US provides auto industry tariff relief offsets and new limits on stacking duties US president Donald Trump has offered relief to carmakers in the form of tariff rebates while clearing up some uncertainty on tariff stacking. Megan Kelly
Thailand’s automotive supply chain challenges and opportunities for competitiveness in ASEAN Weak demand, US tariffs and slowing EV growth are challenging Thailand’s auto sector, but new incentives may revive competitiveness. Megan Kelly
Opinion: Tariff shockwaves, investment freezes and cost pressure reshape global automotive logistics in 2025 The automotive industry is reeling from the US’s hugely disruptive reset of the world economic order, and this will have profound ramifications for logistics providers around the world. Daniel Harrison, inhouse automotive analyst, Automotive Logistics, explains what Trump’s tariffs will mean for the automotive industry. Daniel Harrison
US Trade Representative announces fee structure for vehicle and container deliveries by China-related shipping The US Trade Representative has announced that fees on China-related vessels calling at US ports will include a cost per car unit of $150 for finished vehicle carriers. Marcus Williams
US-China tariff escalation disrupts rare earth exports and puts pressure on automotive supply chains The trade conflict between the US and China has entered a volatile new phase, with potential ‘reciprocal’ tariffs rising as high as 245% and a new suspension of China’s rare earth mineral exports adding further uncertainty for the global automotive industry. Manufacturers and suppliers face increasing costs and supply chain risks as critical vehicle components, including batteries and electronics, are caught in the crossfire. Marcus Williams Megan Kelly
Trump’s 25% vehicle import tariffs could cost US carmakers $108bn and cut output by 17.7m vehicles As automotive supply chains across North America (and the world) come to terms with Trump’s current and upcoming tariffs and how to navigate them by restructuring their supply networks, the potential impact on vehicle sales and production volumes is beginning to sink in. Megan Kelly
Anu Goel on how Volkswagen Group of America’s regional strategy is mitigating tariff disruption and transforming vehicle logistics Simplified metrics, regional teamwork and agile tools: VW’s Anu Goel shares how logistics is powering resilience across borders, at this years’ FVL North America 2025 conference.
How Trump’s changing tariffs are disrupting automotive supply chains across China, Mexico, Canada and the EU Following a week of negotiations and trade wars, Automotive Logistics looks at what has changed for the automotive supply chain globally, and what effects are already being seen in regional supply networks. Megan Kelly
European Union imposes retaliatory tariffs on $20bn of US goods in response to Trump’s steel and aluminium duties The European Commission’s proposal to introduce trade countermeasures against the US steel and aluminium tariffs has been approved by European Union member states, following a meeting with automotive industry representatives including BMW, VW Group and Stellantis. Megan Kelly
VW Group one of a number of carmakers revising exports of vehicles from Mexico to US Carmakers, including VW Group, are suspending the export of vehicles from Mexico into the US and revising production plans in the face of US tariffs brought in last week by the Trump administration. The German carmaker is also now holding all vehicles delivered after April 3 at US ports of entry. Marcus Williams
JLR restarts vehicle shipments to the US following a pause due Trump tariffs on car and parts imports JLR has said it will pause all shipments to the US, following the raft of tariffs announced by US president Donald Trump last week. Megan Kelly
FVL North America 2025 opens with optimism, strategy and connection amid trade uncertainty Christopher Ludwig shares insights from the welcome drinks reception of FVL North America 2025, as the vehicle logistics sector tackles tariffs, technology and transformation.
Stellantis is pausing production at plants in Canada and Mexico and laying off 900 staff in the US As US tariffs on vehicle imports kicked in this week, Stellantis announced it is temporarily shutting plants in Canada and Mexico, with knock-on, short-term layoffs for staff at stamping, transmission and casting plants in the US. Marcus Williams
Impact of the new US trade policy includes the potential cumulative effects of ‘tariff stacking’ [Updated April 23] This week’s announcement by the US Trump administration of tariffs on global imports is more wide-ranging that Trump 1.0 and ’tariff stacking’ could mean vehicle makers and parts suppliers face much higher costs. Marcus Williams Megan Kelly
Trump’s “Liberation Day” automotive import tariffs disrupt global production, logistics and investment strategies US president Donald Trump has announced sweeping tariffs on automotive imports on Wednesday, imposing 25% tariffs on vehicle imports immediately, and 25% tariffs on parts imports from next month. Megan Kelly
FVL NA 2025 - “Get ready to re-imagine logistics: Creating a faster, agile, more competitive vehicle supply chain” Welcome to the recap blog from Finished Vehicle Logistics North America 2025, which took place at Waterfront Beach Resort, Huntington Beach, California, on 8-10 April. The conference brought over 400 delegates and leaders, and featured discussion on real-world issues and offering innovative and implementable solutions in the inbound logistics, transportation, supply chain strategy and much more. While the conference has ended, our coverage has not - keep following this recap blog for more insights and interviews from the event, and register now for next year here! Anushka Dixit Emily Uwemedimo Megan Kelly
Toyota plans to produce next-generation lithium batteries in Japan on hold Toyota is revising its plans for battery production in Kyushu, Japan in the light of electric vehicle demand and rising material prices. Marcus Williams
The race before the border closes, as auto logistics braces for a 25% tariff reckoning [Updated 1 April] Automakers and logistics providers are scrambling to move vehicles before the US imposes a 25% tariff on automotive imports. With USMCA exemptions narrowing and global supply chains under pressure, manufacturers face a costly and complex reckoning. Emily Uwemedimo
Kuehne + Nagel consolidates cross-dock services with doubled capacity on US-Mexico border Kuehne + Nagel is helping customers navigate the complex demands of nearshoring at a time of tariff threats in North America from a new consolidate cross-dock in Laredo, Texas. Marcus Williams
National Transportation Safety Board report finds Francis Scott Key bridge was at high risk of collapse The risk of catastrophic collapse to the Francis Scott Key bridge was 30 times higher than the established safety threshold, according to a report from the National Transportation Safety Board. The report also finds that 68 other bridge in the US could be at risk. Marcus Williams
Stellantis CFO Doug Ostermann tells Wolfe Research summit about supply chain push to deal with tariff uncertainty This week Stellantis’ chief financial officer, Doug Ostermann, outlined the efforts the carmaker was making to mitigate the impact of trade uncertainty in North America and its commitment to manufacturing in the US. Marcus Williams
Trump’s proposed Ukraine peace deal signals major shifts in automotive logistics, reshaping markets in Russia, Europe, and China A 30-day Russia-Ukraine ceasefire proposed by the Trump administration on March 11, designed to be a prelude to a lasting peace deal, can pave the way to tremendous changes for the automotive industry in Russia, Europe and China. Vladislav Vorotnikov
Exemptions will apply to carmakers in line with USMCA, following talks with GM, Ford, Stellantis The US has officially imposed 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, giving carmakers a one-month exemption if they comply with USMCA, while imposing additional 20% tariffs on China. With OEMs and suppliers already navigating tight margins, these measures are set to significantly increase costs, disrupt supply chains, and force strategic shifts in North American manufacturing and logistics. Megan Kelly
The US tariff timeline of trade tensions and tariff changes The US election outcome triggers uncertainty for automotive logistics, with tariffs, trade wars, and supply chain risks ahead. Megan Kelly Emily Uwemedimo James McLoughlin
United States Trade Representative is looking to impose heavy service fees on China-related shipping [Updated March 3] Following an investigation into unreasonable or discriminatory practice in international shipping, the United States Trade Representative is proposing to bring in fees of up to $1.5m for China-related vessel calls at US ports. Marcus Williams
Economic headwinds shake CEE automotive logistics as cost pressures, nearshoring, and geopolitical shifts reshape supply chains The economic crosswinds sweeping across the continent threaten to stir into a big storm for the automotive industry in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Automotive Logistics explores how, in the face of uncertainty, logistics providers are streamlining their operations. Vladislav Vorotnikov
Donald Trump is imposing 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium from Canada and Mexico, and could include auto parts Donald Trump is holding the threat of 25% tariffs over auto parts and metals imports from Canada and Mexico, which could disrupt the North American automotive supply chain. The US president added that he will add new wider tariffs on finished vehicles, to be announced on April 2. Marcus Williams
Automotive Logistics livestream on trends to watch in 2025: How trade shifts, tariffs and tech are reshaping networks The first in this year’s series of Automotive Logistics livestreams focused on key trends to watch out for in 2025, including changing trade compliance, regulations and tariffs. Megan Kelly
Jack Cooper and GM relationship breaks down, leaving hauler to wind down operations Following concerns about its relationship with two of its biggest clients, Jack Cooper is reportedly winding down operations. Megan Kelly
US-Panama Canal tensions escalate as US threatens action, raising fears of disruption for automotive logistics Tensions between the US and Panama over the use of its major logistics waterway have continued to boil, with the US secretary of state making accusations that the Panama Canal is controlled by the Chinese Communist Party. Megan Kelly
Ford’s president, CEO and director James Farley warns of serious financial impact on auto sector if Trump tariffs persist [Updated February 11] Ford’s president, CEO and director James Farley used its Q4 earnings call last week to warn that any extended use of tariffs on automotive products from Canada and Mexico would have a huge adverse impact on the entire value system of the US automotive industry. He drove home the warnings at this week’s Wolfe Research Auto, Auto Tech and Semiconductor Conference in New York. Marcus Williams
Trump’s tariff pose on imports from Canada and Mexico tests resiliency of supply chain planners Even with a month’s grace period, the threat of US tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico made by Donald Trump over the weekend is creating supply chain uncertainty across the North American automotive industry. Carmakers are calling for attention to USMCA rules and warning of the impact on jobs, investment and consumers. Marcus Williams
Expert perspectives on nearshoring: Top 10 Red Sofa interviews on supply chain strategy Updated July 2 2025 – The strategy of nearshoring is reshaping supply chains, bringing immense opportunities and challenges to the forefront. We sat down on the Red Sofa with experts leading the trend across the automotive supply chain. Megan Kelly
How Trump’s Panama Canal threat could reshape the automotive supply chain In his inauguration speech, second-term US president Donald Trump promised to “retake” the Panama Canal, claiming it was operated by China. Megan Kelly
Global automotive industry shifts intensify challenges for logistics providers The automotive supply chain is facing many hurdles this year, as set out in our key automotive logistics trends for 2025. Here, we look deeper at the fragmented nature of the industry, structural changes in flows and demand, and the effects of job losses in the second part of our series. Daniel Harrison
Trade disputes accelerate nearshoring trend with implications for logistics providers The automotive supply chain is facing many hurdles this year, as set out in our key automotive logistics trends for 2025. Here, we look at the accelerating trend of nearshoring in the first part of our series. Daniel Harrison
Automotive logistics and supply chains in 2025: Challenges, cost pressures & nearshoring As the automotive industry enters 2025, three primary trends are reshaping the landscape for logistics providers. These trends highlight the challenges and opportunities resulting from industry restructuring, cost pressures, and evolving trade dynamics. Before we dive into each, here’s an executive summary. Daniel Harrison
What day one under the Trump administration signals for the North American automotive supply chain Donald Trump, who was sworn in as president of the US yesterday, said that his administration is planning to impose 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada from 1 February, threatening the North American automotive supply chain. Megan Kelly
Outgoing Biden Administration rules to ban import of Chinese and Russian connected vehicle technology Outgoing Biden Administration rules prohibit the sale and import of connected vehicle hardware and software systems, as well as completed connected vehicles. Marcus Williams
Flooding caused by climate change is set to be the biggest threat to the automotive supply chain in 2025 Climate change, and particularly flooding, will be the biggest threat to the supply chain in 2025, according to analysis by Everstream Analytics. Megan Kelly
Red Sofa interview: Nissan’s Steve Jernigan on network improvements in Mexico At this week’s Finished Vehicle Logistics North America 2024 conference in California, Steve Jernigan, senior director of supply chain management for Nissan North America, took to the Red Sofa to tell Richard Logan, senior content producer, Automotive Logistics about improvements to domestic haulaway performance in Mexico, which includes better equipment utilisation and availability.
Red Sofa Interview: Bosch’s Ekaterina Serban on Supply chain cybersecurity risks and opportunities In this interview, Ekaterina Serban talks about the biggest risks and challenges posed by today’s security environment. With high levels of interconnectivity in products, and compliance and security issues surrounding legacy systems, supply chain cyber concerns are a major challenge for automotive manufacturers and suppliers.
Red Sofa Interview: Seat’s Alexandre Lerma on control tower creation for automated, robust and flexible supply chains From automation-driven advancements to the reformation of operational frameworks, Lerma envisions a future shaped by cross-functional teams impacting both pre-production and commercial activities. Yet, the primary challenge lies in rallying more suppliers to collaborate within this innovative framework.In Lerma’s vision, collaboration, fueled by data alignment and pioneering functionalities, will be the cornerstone of Seat SA’s quest for a robust, adaptable, and interconnected automotive ecosystem.
