Tariff Waiting Game: Carmakers Strategize

The delay in implementing 25 percent U.S. tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports has provided temporary relief for automakers and suppliers. However, the threat of tariffs still looms, as companies navigate ongoing uncertainty surrounding North American trade policies. Automakers and suppliers are pausing major investment decisions, analyzing potential scenarios, and assessing how long-term trade rules will impact their supply chains. Experts warn that prolonged uncertainty could lead to higher costs, production disruptions, and a decline in North American vehicle sales.

A&M Managing Director Brian Irwin was recently featured in Automotive News, where he highlighted the importance of careful planning in this volatile environment. He advises companies to prepare for multiple tariff scenarios while cautioning against premature decisions that could have lasting consequences. “To pull the trigger on anything that would be a material change to your supply chain would be a challenge and maybe not in your best interest,” Irwin states, emphasizing the need for a strategic and measured approach.

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