By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Michigan legislature passed several bills to create a more collaborative regulatory process at the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

The Michigan legislature passed several bills to create a more collaborative regulatory process at the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). An Environmental Rules Review Committee to advise the DEQ on proposed environmental regulations would be established along with an Environmental Permit Review Commission and an Environmental Science Board to advise on issues affecting the environment or management of Michigan’s natural resources. The bills have been sent to Governor Snyder for approval. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website.

For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Michigan legislature passed several bills to create a more collaborative regulatory process at the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

The Michigan legislature passed several bills to create a more collaborative regulatory process at the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). An Environmental Rules Review Committee to advise the DEQ on proposed environmental regulations would be established along with an Environmental Permit Review Commission and an Environmental Science Board to advise on issues affecting the environment or management of Michigan’s natural resources. The bills have been sent to Governor Snyder for approval. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website.

For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) may impose global tariffs of up to 25% on all automobiles and auto parts imported into the United States.

President Trump has directed the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) to investigate whether imported automobiles and auto parts pose a threat to America’s national security. 

The DOC will issue its findings and recommendations for presidential actions, if any. Such a recommendation could include imposing global tariffs of up to 25% on all automobiles and auto parts imported into the United States. The tariffs could take effect prior to the mid-term elections.

Tariffs on imported cars and auto parts is a real possibility, given the Trump Administration’s aggressive use of trade laws, including “Section 232” covering national security, in an effort to reduce imports affecting strategic industries. The United States has already imposed global tariffs on steel (25%) and aluminum (10%) from most countries, and 25% tariffs are set to take effect as early as July 2 on $50 billion worth of products imported from China. 

The 232 investigation into automobiles and auto parts applies to all types of cars and parts, including new cars, classic cars, OEM parts and specialty auto parts. The move would directly affect all U.S. automakers and parts suppliers who use imported components, as well as importers of cars, trucks and SUVs.

While SEMA supports taking actions against unfair trade practices, such as enforcing trade remedies against subsidies and dumping, SEMA opposes the current tariffs on steel and aluminum and the threatened tariffs on automobiles and auto parts. Tariffs are a blunt instrument for dealing with trade disputes, and often have unexpected and unwelcome consequences. Beyond imposing a tax on trade, tariffs create downstream price spikes, hoarding, marketplace confusion and supply-chain disruption. Rather than impose tariffs that hurt U.S. business and consumers, SEMA urges U.S. leaders to engage our allies to find constructive solutions to address unfair trade practices.  

Click here to submit comments (due June 29).

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) may impose global tariffs of up to 25% on all automobiles and auto parts imported into the United States.

President Trump has directed the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) to investigate whether imported automobiles and auto parts pose a threat to America’s national security. 

The DOC will issue its findings and recommendations for presidential actions, if any. Such a recommendation could include imposing global tariffs of up to 25% on all automobiles and auto parts imported into the United States. The tariffs could take effect prior to the mid-term elections.

Tariffs on imported cars and auto parts is a real possibility, given the Trump Administration’s aggressive use of trade laws, including “Section 232” covering national security, in an effort to reduce imports affecting strategic industries. The United States has already imposed global tariffs on steel (25%) and aluminum (10%) from most countries, and 25% tariffs are set to take effect as early as July 2 on $50 billion worth of products imported from China. 

The 232 investigation into automobiles and auto parts applies to all types of cars and parts, including new cars, classic cars, OEM parts and specialty auto parts. The move would directly affect all U.S. automakers and parts suppliers who use imported components, as well as importers of cars, trucks and SUVs.

While SEMA supports taking actions against unfair trade practices, such as enforcing trade remedies against subsidies and dumping, SEMA opposes the current tariffs on steel and aluminum and the threatened tariffs on automobiles and auto parts. Tariffs are a blunt instrument for dealing with trade disputes, and often have unexpected and unwelcome consequences. Beyond imposing a tax on trade, tariffs create downstream price spikes, hoarding, marketplace confusion and supply-chain disruption. Rather than impose tariffs that hurt U.S. business and consumers, SEMA urges U.S. leaders to engage our allies to find constructive solutions to address unfair trade practices.  

Click here to submit comments (due June 29).

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) may impose global tariffs of up to 25% on all automobiles and auto parts imported into the United States.

President Trump has directed the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) to investigate whether imported automobiles and auto parts pose a threat to America’s national security. 

The DOC will issue its findings and recommendations for presidential actions, if any. Such a recommendation could include imposing global tariffs of up to 25% on all automobiles and auto parts imported into the United States. The tariffs could take effect prior to the mid-term elections.

Tariffs on imported cars and auto parts is a real possibility, given the Trump Administration’s aggressive use of trade laws, including “Section 232” covering national security, in an effort to reduce imports affecting strategic industries. The United States has already imposed global tariffs on steel (25%) and aluminum (10%) from most countries, and 25% tariffs are set to take effect as early as July 2 on $50 billion worth of products imported from China. 

The 232 investigation into automobiles and auto parts applies to all types of cars and parts, including new cars, classic cars, OEM parts and specialty auto parts. The move would directly affect all U.S. automakers and parts suppliers who use imported components, as well as importers of cars, trucks and SUVs.

While SEMA supports taking actions against unfair trade practices, such as enforcing trade remedies against subsidies and dumping, SEMA opposes the current tariffs on steel and aluminum and the threatened tariffs on automobiles and auto parts. Tariffs are a blunt instrument for dealing with trade disputes, and often have unexpected and unwelcome consequences. Beyond imposing a tax on trade, tariffs create downstream price spikes, hoarding, marketplace confusion and supply-chain disruption. Rather than impose tariffs that hurt U.S. business and consumers, SEMA urges U.S. leaders to engage our allies to find constructive solutions to address unfair trade practices.  

Click here to submit comments (due June 29).

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) may impose global tariffs of up to 25% on all automobiles and auto parts imported into the United States.

President Trump has directed the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) to investigate whether imported automobiles and auto parts pose a threat to America’s national security. 

The DOC will issue its findings and recommendations for presidential actions, if any. Such a recommendation could include imposing global tariffs of up to 25% on all automobiles and auto parts imported into the United States. The tariffs could take effect prior to the mid-term elections.

Tariffs on imported cars and auto parts is a real possibility, given the Trump Administration’s aggressive use of trade laws, including “Section 232” covering national security, in an effort to reduce imports affecting strategic industries. The United States has already imposed global tariffs on steel (25%) and aluminum (10%) from most countries, and 25% tariffs are set to take effect as early as July 2 on $50 billion worth of products imported from China. 

The 232 investigation into automobiles and auto parts applies to all types of cars and parts, including new cars, classic cars, OEM parts and specialty auto parts. The move would directly affect all U.S. automakers and parts suppliers who use imported components, as well as importers of cars, trucks and SUVs.

While SEMA supports taking actions against unfair trade practices, such as enforcing trade remedies against subsidies and dumping, SEMA opposes the current tariffs on steel and aluminum and the threatened tariffs on automobiles and auto parts. Tariffs are a blunt instrument for dealing with trade disputes, and often have unexpected and unwelcome consequences. Beyond imposing a tax on trade, tariffs create downstream price spikes, hoarding, marketplace confusion and supply-chain disruption. Rather than impose tariffs that hurt U.S. business and consumers, SEMA urges U.S. leaders to engage our allies to find constructive solutions to address unfair trade practices.  

Click here to submit comments (due June 29).

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

President Trump directed the U.S. government to impose 25% tariffs on $50 billion worth of Chinese imports. The tariffs are an attempt to lower the U.S./China trade deficit and to deter cybertheft of intellectual property by Chinese government and companies.

The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has created two lists for products covered under the tariffs. On July 6, Customs will begin collecting duties on about $34 billion worth of products under the 818 Harmonized Tariff Code listings. 

The subject product list includes miscellaneous metal and rubber parts for auto equipment, machinery, tools, measurement and medical devices.

The USTR has not yet finalized the second list covering the other $16 billion worth of products. The list covers 284 tariff categories, including many types of plastics.

China announced that it will impose tariffs on $50 billion in U.S. goods, including soybeans, aircraft and autos. In response, President Trump directed the USTR to identify $200 billion worth of Chinese goods that will be subject to 10% duties. 

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

President Trump directed the U.S. government to impose 25% tariffs on $50 billion worth of Chinese imports. The tariffs are an attempt to lower the U.S./China trade deficit and to deter cybertheft of intellectual property by Chinese government and companies.

The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has created two lists for products covered under the tariffs. On July 6, Customs will begin collecting duties on about $34 billion worth of products under the 818 Harmonized Tariff Code listings. 

The subject product list includes miscellaneous metal and rubber parts for auto equipment, machinery, tools, measurement and medical devices.

The USTR has not yet finalized the second list covering the other $16 billion worth of products. The list covers 284 tariff categories, including many types of plastics.

China announced that it will impose tariffs on $50 billion in U.S. goods, including soybeans, aircraft and autos. In response, President Trump directed the USTR to identify $200 billion worth of Chinese goods that will be subject to 10% duties. 

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

President Trump directed the U.S. government to impose 25% tariffs on $50 billion worth of Chinese imports. The tariffs are an attempt to lower the U.S./China trade deficit and to deter cybertheft of intellectual property by Chinese government and companies.

The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has created two lists for products covered under the tariffs. On July 6, Customs will begin collecting duties on about $34 billion worth of products under the 818 Harmonized Tariff Code listings. 

The subject product list includes miscellaneous metal and rubber parts for auto equipment, machinery, tools, measurement and medical devices.

The USTR has not yet finalized the second list covering the other $16 billion worth of products. The list covers 284 tariff categories, including many types of plastics.

China announced that it will impose tariffs on $50 billion in U.S. goods, including soybeans, aircraft and autos. In response, President Trump directed the USTR to identify $200 billion worth of Chinese goods that will be subject to 10% duties. 

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA cautioned President Trump and the U.S. Congress that tariffs imposed by the U.S. government are harming American companies, workers and consumers. SEMA-member companies are now grappling with higher-priced steel and aluminum because of global tariffs. The U.S. government has also initiated questionable tariffs on Chinese products, and retaliatory tariffs levied by China and many American allies are in the works. Beyond that, the U.S. government is now threatening tariffs of up to 25% on imported automobiles and auto parts.

“The United States has helped create a global free-trade system, which includes mechanisms for addressing unfair trade practices,” said SEMA President and CEO Christopher J. Kersting. “SEMA cautions the president and lawmakers to work with our trading partners and employ U.S. law judiciously. The current tariffs are a tax on American companies and consumers that are causing unnecessary harm.” 

President Trump has directed the U.S. Department of Commerce to investigate whether imported automobiles and auto parts pose a threat to America’s national security. While the premise of the investigation has not been clearly communicated, imposing tariffs would have damaging consequences for the industry and automotive enthusiasts.

SEMA-member companies employ more than one million Americans who produce, sell and install specialty auto parts on every type of automobile built in the United States and overseas. Products range from custom wheels to turbochargers, lighting equipment, exhaust systems, suspensions, truck caps, mobile electronics and other parts that enhance a vehicle’s appearance and performance. The supply chain for these parts is global, integrated and complex. Beyond domestic sales, SEMA-member companies have a robust export market.

SEMA members have seen steep price hikes for steel and aluminum, and are now having to make tough decisions about passing those costs along to the consumer. Marketplace confusion with respect to country exemptions and company exclusions remains unresolved. A new set of tariffs is now being imposed on Chinese products, but it is unclear how they will address intellectual property threats and free-market access. 

“SEMA welcomes efforts by the U.S. government to protect American companies and their customers from unfair trading practices,” said Kersting. “We urge the President and Congress to pursue trade infringements in a fashion that does not inflict unintended economic harm.