BETHESDA, Md. — The Auto Care Association (ACA) opposes the elevated import tariffs on steel and aluminum announced March 8 by President Donald Trump, saying they ultimately will result in higher repair prices to be paid for by the American car owner.
"Based on the fact that there are few parts necessary for the upkeep of a vehicle that do not contain significant amounts of steel and aluminum, this action will have a significant negative impact throughout the supply chain," ACA President and CEO Bill Hanvey said, "including many small medium and small businesses and their employees that comprise the auto care industry."
The ACA "strongly urges" Mr. Trump to reconsider this action, but acknowledged that "at minimum we hope that the administration will look to create an efficient exemption process for qualified U.S. companies in order to alleviate the harm that will be caused by the imposition of this tariff."
The ACA's public position puts it in company with a growing roster of trade associations opposing the elevated tariffs. Among them are the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association, the Association of International Automobile Dealers Association, the American Wire Producers Association, the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association, etc.
The ACA considers itself the "voice" of the U.S. auto care industry, an economy sector valued at nearly $370 billion and comprising 500,000 businesses, ranging from independent manufacturers, distributors, repair shops and marketers to retailers small and large.