Trump Tariffs & GM: Mary Barra’s Take
- General Motors CEO Mary Barra voiced her support for automotive tariffs, arguing they help U.S.
- Barra stated that tariffs are a tool the administration can use to level the playing field.
- In response to the 25% tariff on imported automobiles and parts, General Motors is strengthening its North American manufacturing.
general motors CEO Mary Barra firmly backs auto tariffs, asserting they’re crucial for U.S.automakers to compete on a global stage. At the Wall Street Journal‘s Future of Everything conference, Barra emphasized the necessity of addressing trade imbalances, highlighting tariffs as a critical administration tool.This backing comes as GM significantly boosts U.S. manufacturing investments, including an $888 million engine investment in a New York plant. Over the last five years, GM has strategically shifted more than 25% of it’s supply chain stateside.For comprehensive insights, News Directory 3 provides this and other key business updates. Discover what’s next for GM and its strategic moves.
GM CEO Backs Auto Tariffs Amid Manufacturing Investment
updated May 30, 2025
General Motors CEO Mary Barra voiced her support for automotive tariffs, arguing they help U.S. automakers compete globally. Barra spoke at The Wall Street Journal’s Future of everything conference wednesday, emphasizing the need to address trade imbalances.
Barra stated that tariffs are a tool the administration can use to level the playing field. Her comments come as a federal appeals court allowed President Donald Trump’s tariffs to remain in effect temporarily.
In response to the 25% tariff on imported automobiles and parts, General Motors is strengthening its North American manufacturing. Barra said the company is working to leverage excess capacity in the U.S., including an $888 million investment in a New York propulsion plant for a next-generation V-8 engine. This investment is the most meaningful engine investment GM has ever made.
Over the past five years, GM has shifted more than 25% of its supply chain to the U.S. Fewer than 3% of its direct parts now originate from China. Earlier this month, General Motors also halted some vehicle exports to China from the U.S.
While General Motors increases its U.S. investment,Barra made no promises regarding vehicle pricing for consumers,noting that pricing is dynamic.
“For decades now, it has not been a level playing field for U.S.automakers globally with either tariffs or non-tariff trade barriers,” Barra said.
What’s next
General Motors plans to continue strengthening its North American manufacturing. The company is waiting for more trade deals to be finalized but is already taking steps to increase its resilience in the U.S.