Detroit automakers ask White House to be spared from new tariffs

Fortune

by Gabrielle Coppola, Bloomberg

February 21, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Detroit’s automakers, represented by the American Automotive Policy Council (AAPC), have urged the White House to shield them from new tariffs proposed by President Donald Trump following a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated most of his global import taxes. The letter, sent to Trump’s trade team on Friday, highlights concerns over billions in additional costs stemming from tariffs on imported vehicles and parts. These tariffs, along with those targeting steel and aluminum, were imposed under the president's authority to act on national security grounds. The automotive industry has been particularly impacted by these measures. Last April, Trump signed directives that softened the blow of his tariffs by preventing multiple levies from stacking up. However, automakers now face a new challenge as Trump announced plans to impose a flat 10% tariff on foreign goods and initiate trade investigations that could lead to more permanent tariffs. The AAPC, which represents General Motors Co., Ford Motor Co., and Jeep-maker Stellantis NV, is seeking to preserve the existing framework that protects them from multiple import taxes. The White House has yet to respond to the automakers' request, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. Trump’s proposed tariffs and trade investigations could significantly increase costs for vehicle manufacturers and disrupt global supply chains. This development comes at a critical time for the automotive industry, which is already grappling with the financial strain of existing tariffs. For readers interested in business, this situation underscores the ongoing tensions between U.S. trade policies and industries reliant on international manufacturing and imports. The outcome of these negotiations could have far-reaching implications for the automotive sector, affecting not only production costs but also consumer prices and global competitiveness. As Trump pushes forward with his trade agenda, the industry’s ability to navigate these challenges will be closely watched by businesses, investors, and policymakers alike.

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Originally published on Fortune on 2/21/2026