The 25% U.S. tariff on foreign automobiles and parts has created deep uncertainty for Asia-Pacific (APAC) automakers. With significant exposure to the U.S. market, they now face rising costs, strained supply chains, and pressure to shift production.
The temporary 90-day hold on the updated tariff, announced on April 9, offers a brief respite while negotiations with trade partner countries continue. As negotiations continue, the APAC automakers brace for long-term changes to global trade and manufacturing strategies, observes GlobalData, a data and analytics company.
Hyundai’s exports to the U.S. account for 16% of its total export volume, while Subaru’s exports represent 32%, and Toyota’s exports make up 5%. This substantial exposure to the U.S. market means that these manufacturers are particularly vulnerable to the repercussions of the tariff increase.
Madhuchhanda Palit, automotive analyst at GlobalData, comments: “While major automakers like Toyota Motor have reported record profits, small and medium-sized suppliers are expressing concerns. Rising raw material and labor costs have made it increasingly challenging for these firms to pass expenses onto clients, particularly in light of wage increases.
“The impending tariffs could exacerbate these challenges, as larger manufacturers may consider relocating production to the U.S., potentially jeopardizing the livelihoods of local suppliers. The automotive ecosystem, particularly in countries such as Japan, is at risk, with small businesses reliant on larger automakers facing heightened instability.”
In response, Subaru has already alerted its dealers that current pricing cannot be guaranteed and may be subject to change. Conversely, Hyundai has launched a customer assurance program to alleviate consumer concerns about the uncertainty. Meanwhile, Toyota, which already has a significant production presence in the U.S., has announced no intention to raise vehicle prices and is focusing on reducing fixed costs.
In a strategic move, Nissan, initially reconsidering its electric vehicle production timeline in the U.S. prior to the tariff announcement, has now confirmed plans to relocate part of its production to the U.S.
This mirrors a broader trend, with Hyundai committing US$21 billion, including a $5.8 billion steel plant in Louisiana, and Toyota investing $14 billion in its first in-house battery plant outside Japan, located in North Carolina.
Palit explains: “While the U.S. automotive market and manufacturers may face turbulence in the short-run due to the tariffs, increased investments in domestic production are likely to strengthen the U.S. economy over time and could prove beneficial for both manufacturers and consumers alike.”
As manufacturers explore various strategies to navigate this turbulent landscape, including potential production shifts and price guarantees for consumers, the broader consequences for the automotive sector and its ecosystem remain to be seen.
Palit concludes: “The temporary hold on the tariffs provides a crucial window for negotiations that could ease the current situation. However, the ongoing discussions and evolving trade dynamics will play a critical role in determining the future stability and profitability of the APAC automotive industry.
“As the industry adapts to these changes, the focus will remain on innovation and maintaining a competitive stance in the global automotive market.”
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