From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office
In a letter to President Trump, SEMA highlighted the impact of tariffs on the nation's $337-billion specialty-equipment industry, along with ways the administration can support domestic manufacturers during this transition period.
"Our primary request is that American automotive parts manufacturers, including our members, be provided a transition period to re-shore their manufacturing, as well as some form of economic relief to assist in that transition," writes SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "That relief could include tariff exemptions for things like molds, tooling and machinery brought back to the United States, as well as tax incentives to offset the associated costs."
The letter also sheds light on impacts that the Trump Administration might not be aware of, including those experienced companies that want to bring their operations back to the United States, as well as ways domestic producers of steel and aluminum are making it hard for Made-in-America companies to stay competitive.