President-elect Donald Trump’s pledge to impose tariffs on the United States' largest trading partners—Canada, Mexico, and China—has sent shockwaves through the auto and tech industries, as companies with significant operations in Mexico brace for potential trade wars.
Impact on Asian Automakers
- Honda Motor: Ships 80% of its Mexican production to the U.S.. COO Shinji Aoyama warned that permanent tariffs could force the company to reconsider its manufacturing footprint.
- Nissan Motor: Operates two plants in Mexico, producing 505,000 vehicles in the first nine months of 2024, including models like the Sentra and Versa for the U.S. market.
- Toyota Motor: Manufactures the Tacoma pick-up truck exclusively in Mexico, exporting 230,000 units to the U.S. last year, representing 10% of its U.S. sales.
- Mazda: Exported 120,000 vehicles from Mexico to the U.S. in 2023, with President Masahiro Moro stating that tariff resolutions require broader collaboration beyond individual companies.
- Kia Corp: Operates a plant producing Kia vehicles and Hyundai’s Santa Fe SUVs for U.S. exports.
Tesla and Its Suppliers
- Tesla: Encouraged Chinese suppliers to establish plants in Mexico in 2023, initially planning for production at a Mexican Gigafactory by 2025. However, Tesla has shifted focus to expanding its Texas facility.
Chinese Automakers and Suppliers
- Yanfeng Automotive Interiors: Supplies automakers like General Motors and Toyota with components made in Mexico.
- BYD and JAC Motors: BYD plans a plant in Mexico for the domestic market, while JAC Motors operates a joint venture assembling vehicles in Mexico since 2017.
- SAIC’s MG: Announced plans for a new plant in Mexico.
Tech and Electronics Manufacturers
- Foxconn: Collaborating with Nvidia on a large AI server factory in Mexico, with production of liquid-cooled servers scheduled to begin next year.
- Lenovo: Operates a massive production site in Monterrey, producing servers and data center products exclusively for the North American market.
- LG Electronics: Manufactures TVs, home appliances, and EV parts in Mexico and is currently reviewing the potential impact of changing trade policies.
What’s Next?
Trump’s 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico and an additional 10% on Chinese goods could disrupt supply chains and raise costs for these companies. As trade policies evolve, manufacturers face tough decisions on whether to relocate operations, absorb increased costs, or pass them on to consumers.
The ripple effects of these tariffs are likely to extend beyond Mexico, shaping global trade and industry dynamics.
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