The White House announced a one-month exemption for U.S. automakers from newly imposed tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports under the USMCA. The move follows requests from Ford (NYSE:F), General Motors (NYSE:GM), and Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), who sought relief from the 25% duties that took effect on Tuesday.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the decision during a Wednesday briefing, stating, “We spoke with the big three auto dealers. We are going to give a one-month exemption on any autos coming through USMCA.”
Despite this temporary relief for automakers, reciprocal tariffs from Canada and Mexico are set to take effect on April 2. The decision highlights ongoing trade tensions and the economic impact of tariffs on North American supply chains.
Industry experts believe the exemption provides short-term relief but could lead to further negotiations between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Automakers continue to monitor developments as they navigate the shifting trade landscape.