Automotive supply chain Q4 2025 outlook: Cost pressures, tariff uncertainty and disruption Cost pressures have surged, impacting companies within the automotive supply chain, whilst tariff uncertainty persists and supply chain disruption lingers. Daniel Harrison
Trump and Xi agree on US-China tariff reduction and rare earths supply During his trip to Asia, US president Donald Trump met with China’s president Xi Jinping in Busan, South Korea. Although no comprehensive deal could yet be reached, Trump announced a tariff reduction for Chinese imports to the US and China agreed to continue the flow of rare earth minerals to the US. James McLoughlin
American Axle & Manufacturing gets tax break for $133m investment in Michigan site American Axle & Manufacturing received an SESA exemption for a $133m investment in its Michigan facility, which was chosen over its site in Mexico for upgrades. James McLoughlin
Tariffs and tensions: Trends in North American automotive logistics From tariffs to tensions, the North American automotive logistics market is grappling with uncertainty and disruption, emphasising the need for resilience. James McLoughlin
Watch: VW's Anu Goel on strategies for dealing with uncertainty and the impact of tariffs on parts and service Anu Goel, executive vice president, group aftersales and service at VW, discusses how automotive supply chains have adapted to address uncertainty since the US' introduction of global tariffs. Automotive Logistics
Carmakers spread the cost of tariffs but prices set to rise say analysts The automotive sector is facing significant cost pressure caused by continuing inflation, high capital and labour costs, a situation exacerbated by the higher tariff costs and associated disruption caused by current US trade policy. Marcus Williams
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
US truck tariff to come into effect on November 1, Trump confirms Several truck makers are cautiously assessing the impact of a 25% Section 232 tariff on heavy truck imports that the US is imposing from November 1, but the American Trucking Associations (ATA) has been more direct in its response to the tariffs. Marcus Williams James McLoughlin
Sponsored Automotive Inbound Logistics Survey 2025: Download now Download the inaugural Automotive Inbound Logistics Survey 2025 for the definitive playbook to navigate disruption, cut through uncertainty and stay ahead of global competition. Automotive Logistics
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
Cross-border automotive freight consolidation to mitigate US tariffs Logistics service provider CH Robinson is aiming to tackle the impact of higher US tariffs by consolidating freight in its cross-border logistics. Megan Kelly
Mexico raises tariffs on Chinese vehicles to 50% Mexico is set to raise its tariffs on Chinese vehicle imports and other Asian countries from 20% to 50%. Megan Kelly
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 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
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
GM to import EV batteries from CATL despite tariffs GM is planning to import EV batteries from Chinese battery producer CATL, despite the tariff of 30% on imports to the US from China. 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
Toyota plans manufacturing plant in Japan, despite US tariff impact Toyota has announced plans to acquire land to build a new vehicle manufacturing plant in the Teihoucho area of Toyota City in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. 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
South Korea tariff deal with US: What it means for automotive The US and South Korea have agreed on tariffs of 15% for vehicle imports and automotive parts imports, replacing the previously threatened 25% rate. However, the US set tariffs of 50% on steel and aluminium imports, in line with the rest of the world. Megan Kelly
US announces new tariff rates, delays implementation again US president Donald Trump has again delayed tariffs on individual countries, extending the implementation deadline from today (1 August) until next week. Megan Kelly
US and EU reach tariff deal, industry reacts The US and the European Union (EU) have reached a deal on tariffs, agreeing to a 15% tariff on most exports to the US, including vehicles and automotive parts. Megan Kelly
Trump tariffs cost GM over a billion dollars in Q2 GM has reported that tariffs on imported vehicles and automotive parts have cost it $1.1 billion in the second quarter of this year, a major contributor to its 21% drop in net income over the quarter. Marcus Williams
OEMs face financial losses as tariffs bite OEMs are beginning to see the real impact of the tariffs imposed by the US, with profits and operating income for the first half of the year taking hits of billions of dollars. Megan Kelly
US reaches trade deal with Japan, puts 93% tariff on Chinese graphite The US has struck a trade deal with Japan, reducing the threatened tariff rate of 25% on goods imported to the US to 15%, providing Japan invests $550 billion in the US. Megan Kelly
Stellantis expects loss of €2.3bn due to tariffs and restructuring Stellantis is expecting to take a hit of €2.3 billion ($2.7bn) in the first half of this year, due to costs associated with restructuring and expenses incurred from US tariffs. Megan Kelly
Actions taken by OEMs to curb effects of tariffs Since January, OEMs have been making strategic decisions to reshape their supply chains to mitigate against the effects of US president Donald Trump’s tariffs and trade shifts. Megan Kelly James McLoughlin
New tariff rates set for EU, Canada and Mexico In the latest tariff news, US president Donald Trump has set new rates for the likes of the EU, Canada and Mexico, having sent letters detailing the new levies of between 20-50% to more than 20 trade partners over the last few days. Megan Kelly
Trump tariff deadline: When rates will be set and implemented US negotiations continue as Trump warns of additional tariffs for BRICS-aligned countries. Megan Kelly
US-Vietnam trade deal: Impact on automotive sector A new 20% tariff agreement reshapes US-Vietnam automotive trade, with implications for China and ASEAN strategies. Megan Kelly
US threatens tariffs on Japan, OEMs face billions in losses US tariffs could cost Japanese carmakers billions, with a looming deadline for negotiations. Megan Kelly
US Senate passes ‘Big Beautiful Bill’, ends EV tax credits The US Senate has passed ‘The One Big Beautiful Bill’ act, a budget bill that has several implications for the automotive industry, including the ending of EV tax credits in September. Megan Kelly
Latest tariff and trade updates affecting automotive industry Explore how Trump's evolving tariffs reshape global automotive supply chains and industry dynamics. Megan Kelly
UK-US trade deal on vehicles partially implemented Tariffs on UK vehicle imports to the US reduced, but steel and aluminium levies remain a challenge. Megan Kelly
GM commits $4bn to US, moves assembly from Mexico and Canada GM will invest $4bn to expand vehicle production in Michigan, Kansas and Tennessee, shifting models from Mexico and Canada in a move that highlights localisation, EV growth and trade policy anticipation. Ilkhan Ozsevim
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
Accuride’s Skotti Fietsam on increased collaboration between logistics and IT teams Skotti Fietsam, senior vice president, supply chain and CIO at Accuride, sat down on the Red Sofa at ALSC Digital Strategies North America to share her insights into how teams in both fields can collaborate, as well as the importance of digital tools in compliance and supply chain mapping.
North America’s vehicle handling ports are investing in strength to manage volatility Upgrades to port infrastructure through 2024 have given some of the top volume processors room for manoeuvre amid uncertainty. 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
Despite minor setbacks, the Chinese automotive industry may come out as a winner in the tariff war As the US and China remain in a standoff in their tariff war with neither side willing to budge, observers say the world is witnessing the end of the era of globalisation in the automotive industry as we know it. Vladislav Vorotnikov
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
Artificially intelligent: Top 10 Red Sofa interviews on supply chain digitalisation Updated July 3 2025 – Industry experts from GM, Nissan, BMW and more have joined us on the Red Sofa to give their opinions on digitalisation in the automotive supply chain. Check out our list of key takeaways, which will be updated as more expertise is shared. Charlie Blackie-Kelly
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
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
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
Red Sofa interview | Nissan’s Todd Myers on optimising FVL through data, digital tools and holistic planning Todd Myers, director of finished vehicle logistics North America at Nissan, shares how the carmaker is continuously optimising logistics with data-led tools, system-wide planning and a focus on agility, skills and visibility.
US automotive import tariffs hit prices and aggravate consumer uncertainty, says National Automobile Dealers Association The combined impact of vehicle and parts import tariffs could cut production and sales forecasts in the US this year, according to figures from the National Automobile Dealers Association, with consumer spending and manufacturing investment revised. Marcus Williams
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
“Staying the course”: USMCOC’s Zapanta unpacks tariffs, automotive trade and North American integration With tariffs on parts approaching and political uncertainty mounting, Albert Zapanta of the United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce (USMCOC) explores how the US and Mexico are navigating trade, supply chain pressures and long-term planning. For the automotive industry, staying steady may be the smartest move. Emily Uwemedimo
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.
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
March 26 set the wheels in motion, here’s what’s coming before tariff D-Day on April 2 New US tariffs are set to begin April 2, starting with a 25% duty on imported vehicles. Analysts warn the staggered rollout could cripple production, spike prices and send supply chains into long-term disarray – especially for OEMs navigating EV shifts and global competition. Emily Uwemedimo Daniel Harrison
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
Hyundai Motor commits $21 billion to US vehicle manufacturing, supply chain and logistics Hyundai has announced an investment in US vehicle production, supply chain and logistics of $21 billion and in the same week has officially opened its metaplant in Georgia at which it now plans to make 500,000 electric vehicles a year. Marcus Williams
Audi and BMW call for tariff-free trade in North America as Trump tariffs take their toll German carmakers are holding their breath for the next Trump tariff announcement to see if USMCA local content rules will necessitate higher prices and production adjustments in North America. Marcus Williams
European Automotive Logistics Market Report 2025-2035 Download this comprehensive report with succinct industry analysis, market forecasts, company market share evaluations, and strategic recommendations Daniel Harrison
Automotive Logistics magazine – Spring 2025 This Spring Issue offers an in-depth analysis of the trends and innovations shaping the industry, with a focus on supply chain strategies and resilience, emissions control, packaging, European port review, digitalisation, EV localisation, European market overview, and more.Purchase print edition
US to impose global tariffs of 25% on steel and aluminium imports; European Commission announces retaliatory levies [Updated March 13] The decision by Trump to impose tariffs on European imports of the metals, affecting more than €8 billion-worth of EU exports, adds to tariffs on other exports worth €18 billion. Marcus Williams
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
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
Trump’s reciprocal trade tariffs set to reshape global automotive supply chains and disrupt industry investment The US aims to impose reciprocal tariffs around the world, triggering potential trade wars that could impact automotive logistics networks and dampen investment. Megan Kelly
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
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
China retaliates against Trump’s auto tariffs with 10% duty on US vehicles and WTO complaint China has responded to US president Donald Trump’s tariffs of 10% on all goods imported from China, in addition to the existing 100% tariffs on Chinese EV and battery imports, with tariffs of its own. Megan Kelly
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
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
US-Mexico automotive trade faces new challenges amid shifting policies, labour costs and Chinese investment [Updated November 11] Following the announcement that Donald Trump has won the 2024 US presidential election, the North American automotive supply chain has been plunged into further uncertainty and unpredictability. Megan Kelly Emily Uwemedimo
