USMCA Review and Autos with Jennifer Safavian

Why It Matters

Autos and their integrated North American supply chains are sensitive to rules-of-origin and tariff changes; preserving a workable USMCA is key to avoiding higher costs, protecting investment, and maintaining U.S. production and jobs. Policy choices this summer could materially affect vehicle sourcing, manufacturing competitiveness, and industry investment decisions.

Summary

Jennifer Seabian, president and CEO of Autos Drive America, told the Trade Guys that international automakers are major players in the U.S. market—accounting for over 48% of U.S. vehicle production, roughly 100,000 manufacturing jobs, 31 facilities and about $124 billion in U.S. investments. Her group is prioritizing renewal of USMCA and urges that any revisions preserve the agreement’s trilateral structure, retain preferential treatment for qualifying goods, and keep any new product-specific rules narrowly tailored and workable to avoid higher costs and compliance burdens. Autos Drive America argues that integrated North American supply chains make continuity of the USMCA framework critical for the auto sector’s competitiveness. Seabian emphasized the industry’s backing for a renewed, but practical, USMCA rather than sweeping changes.

Original Description

On this episode of the Trade Guys, Bill and Scott host Jennifer Safavian, President & CEO of Autos Drive America, to discuss North American auto supply chains and the key issues at stake for automakers in USMCA review.