Trump gives automakers one-month tariff reprieve to move operations from Canada, Mexico to US

President Donald Trump has delayed the implementation of 25% tariffs on automobile imports from Canada and Mexico for one month, following requests from executives at General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis.

The reprieve is expected to provide automakers until April 2 to begin shifting offshore production to facilities within the United States.

The decision comes less than two days after the tariffs were announced—a measure that reimposes duties on goods previously exempted under the North American trade agreement, often referred to as NAFTA 2.0. Under the terms of the agreement, automakers that comply with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) had previously enjoyed duty-free access.

The Big Three automakers operate complex supply chains with manufacturing facilities located in Canada and Mexico. For instance, General Motors produces its Chevy Equinox in both countries, while Ford’s Lincoln Nautilus SUVs and Stellantis’ Dodge Chargers are made in Ontario. Numerous automotive suppliers also rely on plants in the region.

Industry analysts warn that the tariffs could lead to a significant increase in vehicle sticker prices—potentially up to $12,000—at a time when car prices are already near historic highs. Jeff Schott, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, noted that higher prices could dampen consumer demand and leave dealers with costly unsold inventory.

During an address to Congress on Tuesday, President Trump urged manufacturers to move production onshore. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated at a briefing that the administration expects GM, Ford, and Stellantis to shift their operations to the United States before the tariffs are fully implemented at the end of the month. “He told them that they should get on it,” Leavitt added.

However, challenges remain. Ford CEO Jim Farley acknowledged at a recent investor call that the company does not have excess capacity at its existing plants to easily accommodate such a shift. Farley warned that while Ford could absorb the tariffs in the short term, prolonged duties could inflict unprecedented damage on the U.S. automotive industry.

Data from Edmunds.com indicate that, through February, nearly half of all new vehicles sold in the U.S. were manufactured domestically, with 17.4% built in Mexico and 7.4% in Canada.

In a statement, Ford reiterated its commitment to U.S. manufacturing: “Since President Trump’s successful USMCA was signed, Ford has invested billions in the United States and committed to billions more in the future to both invest in American workers and ensure all of our vehicles comply with USMCA. We will continue to have a healthy and candid dialogue with the Administration to help achieve a bright future for our industry and U.S. manufacturing.”

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