U.S. President Donald Trump met with General Motors CEO Mary Barra on Wednesday to discuss the automaker’s investment strategy as the administration pushes for more domestic production, a White House official said.
The meeting comes as Trump seeks to shift more auto assembly and parts manufacturing to the United States, a key issue in his trade policy. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has echoed these concerns in discussions with automakers.
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Trump last week granted automakers a temporary one-month exemption from a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, contingent on compliance with existing free trade agreements. The decision followed a phone call between Trump, Barra, Ford CEO Jim Farley, and Stellantis Chair John Elkann.
On Thursday, Trump referenced Barra’s visit, telling reporters, “They want to invest $60 billion.” The timeline for such investment remains unclear, with automakers emphasizing the need for stability in trade and regulatory policies before making significant commitments.
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A GM spokesperson said the company aligns with the administration’s vision, stating, “We share President Trump’s goals of a strong and competitive American manufacturing base and economy.”
Meanwhile, the White House has raised tariffs on steel and aluminum, affecting about $150 billion in imports, including those used in the automotive sector. Industry representatives have expressed concern that ending tariff exemptions for Canada and Mexico could increase supply costs for automakers and their suppliers.
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Last week, Stellantis informed dealers that while it is open to discussions on additional U.S. investments, it requires sufficient time to implement changes without disrupting operations.
Trump has also warned that new reciprocal tariffs, set to take effect on April 2, could significantly raise the cost of vehicles imported from Europe, Japan, and South Korea.
The auto industry continues to monitor these developments as it assesses the impact of trade policies on future investment and production decisions.