With the announcement of a new free trade deal in North America, the U.S.-based group representing automotive suppliers wants to see the end of steel and aluminum tariffs on Canada and Mexico.
The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), which represents more than 1,000 suppliers in the original equipment and aftermarket industries, sent a letter Nov. 6 to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer with the demand.
It acknowledged that the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is a “positive step” for the three countries. But for it to be truly successful, the tariffs need to go.
“These tariffs are currently costing our industry hundreds of millions of dollars, negating any opportunity to invest in more U.S. manufacturing capacity or workforce development,” said the letter signed by Dan Sceli, chairman of MEMA’s board of directors. “USMCA will not create the desired opportunities for the United States without addressing steel and aluminum tariffs.”
The letter said leaders in the supplier industry would meet with Lighthizer to address the issue.
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