By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

President Trump reimposed 25% tariffs on steel and 10% tariffs on aluminum imported into the United States from Argentina and Brazil on December 2. Both countries were previously exempt from the global steel tariffs that began March 23, 2018, and Argentina was exempt from the aluminum tariffs, based on trade quotas. However, President Trump maintains the nations are unfairly devaluing their currencies making U.S. exports to those countries more expensive.  

The tariffs apply to processed raw materials (steel/aluminum plate, sheets, bars, etc.) but not finished products (e.g., wheels, exhausts, etc.). Australia and South Korea have been exempted from the steel tariffs based on trade quotas, and Mexico and Canada were exempted in May 2019 from both metal tariffs as part of the new U.S./Mexico/Canada trade pact. The tariffs have been justified under a national security provision (Section 232) in U.S. trade law. They are currently being challenged in a federal court since application of the tariffs penalize some countries not being accused of dumping or subsidizing the metals.

Questions? Contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

President Trump reimposed 25% tariffs on steel and 10% tariffs on aluminum imported into the United States from Argentina and Brazil on December 2. Both countries were previously exempt from the global steel tariffs that began March 23, 2018, and Argentina was exempt from the aluminum tariffs, based on trade quotas. However, President Trump maintains the nations are unfairly devaluing their currencies making U.S. exports to those countries more expensive.  

The tariffs apply to processed raw materials (steel/aluminum plate, sheets, bars, etc.) but not finished products (e.g., wheels, exhausts, etc.). Australia and South Korea have been exempted from the steel tariffs based on trade quotas, and Mexico and Canada were exempted in May 2019 from both metal tariffs as part of the new U.S./Mexico/Canada trade pact. The tariffs have been justified under a national security provision (Section 232) in U.S. trade law. They are currently being challenged in a federal court since application of the tariffs penalize some countries not being accused of dumping or subsidizing the metals.

Questions? Contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

President Trump reimposed 25% tariffs on steel and 10% tariffs on aluminum imported into the United States from Argentina and Brazil on December 2. Both countries were previously exempt from the global steel tariffs that began March 23, 2018, and Argentina was exempt from the aluminum tariffs, based on trade quotas. However, President Trump maintains the nations are unfairly devaluing their currencies making U.S. exports to those countries more expensive.  

The tariffs apply to processed raw materials (steel/aluminum plate, sheets, bars, etc.) but not finished products (e.g., wheels, exhausts, etc.). Australia and South Korea have been exempted from the steel tariffs based on trade quotas, and Mexico and Canada were exempted in May 2019 from both metal tariffs as part of the new U.S./Mexico/Canada trade pact. The tariffs have been justified under a national security provision (Section 232) in U.S. trade law. They are currently being challenged in a federal court since application of the tariffs penalize some countries not being accused of dumping or subsidizing the metals.

Questions? Contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA has published two brochures on the regulation of emissions-related specialty auto parts under our nation’s clean air laws. The first describes how the laws are primarily enforced by two government agencies: the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The second provides guidance on how to comply with the laws.  

Download the brochures.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA has published two brochures on the regulation of emissions-related specialty auto parts under our nation’s clean air laws. The first describes how the laws are primarily enforced by two government agencies: the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The second provides guidance on how to comply with the laws.  

Download the brochures.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA has published two brochures on the regulation of emissions-related specialty auto parts under our nation’s clean air laws. The first describes how the laws are primarily enforced by two government agencies: the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The second provides guidance on how to comply with the laws.  

Download the brochures.

The following is a message from SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting:

This year, the SEMA Board of Directors has an opening in the Distributors/Retailers category.

As a member of the association, your recommendation is needed for industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors.

The following seat is open for this year’s election:

• Distributors/Retailers (1 open seat)

Please take a moment and tell us whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board member position by completing and submitting a nomination form. To help the vetting process, include a brief information about the nominee’s qualifications, such as background, experience and achievements that would make that nominee an outstanding board candidate.

Nominations for the SEMA Board of Directors are due Friday, January 3, 2020. Please complete and submit the nomination form.

A strong board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well.  We urge you to take part in the nominations process—our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the Board, but we need you to help bring them to the attention of the Nominating Committee.

Thank you for your attention to this important request.

Chris Kersting, CAE

SEMA President & CEO

The following is a message from SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting:

This year, the SEMA Board of Directors has an opening in the Distributors/Retailers category.

As a member of the association, your recommendation is needed for industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors.

The following seat is open for this year’s election:

• Distributors/Retailers (1 open seat)

Please take a moment and tell us whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board member position by completing and submitting a nomination form. To help the vetting process, include a brief information about the nominee’s qualifications, such as background, experience and achievements that would make that nominee an outstanding board candidate.

Nominations for the SEMA Board of Directors are due Friday, January 3, 2020. Please complete and submit the nomination form.

A strong board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well.  We urge you to take part in the nominations process—our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the Board, but we need you to help bring them to the attention of the Nominating Committee.

Thank you for your attention to this important request.

Chris Kersting, CAE

SEMA President & CEO

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org.

By SEMA Editors

Jack Hone

Former aftermarket industry publisher Jack Hone, 81, passed away peacefully on October 29, surrounded by his loved ones following a long illness.

His career in publishing began in 1969 and included 12 years as publisher of Tire Review magazine. In addition to his work in publishing, Hone was the co-founder of Hone Media Group, representing titles including SEMA News magazine.

After serving as a musician in the U.S. Navy playing trumpet and flugelhorn, Hone enjoyed a nearly lifelong career as a professional musician during which he had the opportunity to perform with many of the jazz greats, including Miles Davis.

Following his retirement, Hone taught private music lessons and served in the role of music director for The Church of the Covenant in Canton, Ohio.

He is survived by his wife Sharon, sister Dr. Charlene Nunley (husband Fred), son Michael Hone (wife Patrice), daughter Lorraine Nokes (husband Jeffrey), daughter Tracy Teuscher, first wife Marilyn Hone, 12 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be observed Saturday, December 7, beginning at 2:00 p.m., at Denbow Gasche Funeral Home located at 313 Center St., Ashland, OH 44805. Immediately following the memorial service, family and friends are welcome to enjoy food, live music and fellowship.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family respectfully requests that gifts be made in the name of Jack Hone to the Jackson School for the Arts Jackson High School, 7600 Fulton Dr. NW, Massillon, OH, 44646, ATTN: Susan Gardner, JSA Director.

Personal notes of sympathy may be sent to the family via email in care of Tracy Teuscher at tracy@thebuzzmaker.com.