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Tesla has expressed concerns over the potential negative impact of President Trump’s recent trade policies on U.S.-based electric vehicle manufacturers. In a letter to the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), the company emphasized the need for careful consideration regarding the effects of such actions on domestic businesses.
The letter, dated March 11 and signed by an unnamed representative, urged the administration to evaluate the potential consequences of their policies on U.S.-based manufacturers. Specifically, Tesla highlighted concerns over retaliatory tariffs imposed by foreign nations in response to Trump’s increased steel and aluminum imports to 25%. These new tariffs could make Tesla vehicles more expensive for international buyers, potentially hindering overseas demand.
In recent weeks, President Trump has maintained that his administration’s policies will stimulate domestic manufacturing, creating jobs for American workers. Conversely, Tesla believes that even with aggressive efforts to localize its supply chain, certain crucial components and materials are difficult or impossible to source within the United States. This limitation could disproportionately affect U.S.-based EV manufacturers like Tesla.
It is worth noting that President Trump publicly announced his support for Tesla on March 11, stating that he would purchase a Tesla vehicle to bolster Musk’s company amidst its current sales slump. However, some consumers have been deterred by Musk’s political involvement, which has been linked to decreased demand and revenue for the firm in both domestic and international markets.
Tesla continues to prioritize the development of a domestic supply chain while urging the USTR to assess any trade actions that might inadvertently harm local businesses like themselves.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tesla-warns-trump-tariffs-could-hurt-us-automakers-musk/
