The “Big Three” U.S. car manufacturers—Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis—have now reportedly expressed strong disapproval of President Donald Trump’s recent trade agreement with the United Kingdom, arguing that it undermines American automakers, suppliers, and workers.
The American Automotive Policy Council (AAPC), which represents these companies, released a statement criticizing the deal shortly after its announcement in the Oval Office.
Trump and his administration hailed the agreement as a major victory, but the automakers contend that it prioritizes the U.K. over North American partners.
Currently, U.K. car companies will benefit from a reduced tariff of 10% when exporting to the U.S., while American manufacturers face a significantly higher 25% tariff on vehicles made outside the country.
Matt Blunt, AAPC president, emphasized that the U.S. automotive industry is highly integrated with Canada and Mexico, contrasting this with the less interconnected relationship with the U.K.
He stated, “This hurts American automakers, suppliers, and auto workers,” noting that it will now be cheaper to import a U.K. vehicle with minimal U.S. content than a U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) compliant vehicle.
In response, the White House defended the trade deal, asserting that no president has been more committed to reviving the American auto industry than Trump.
Spokesman Kush Desai highlighted efforts to reshore manufacturing and provide tariff relief.
The agreement allows the U.K. to export up to 100,000 cars to the U.S. at the lower tariff, a significant concession amid ongoing trade tensions.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised the deal for protecting jobs in key sectors, while U.K. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds noted its critical timing to prevent job losses in the auto industry.
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