US Launches Trade Investigation on Automotive Imports

The DOC’s action was taken under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, mirroring the recent imposition of 10% and 25% tariffs on certain imports of aluminum and steel, respectively.

According to the DOC notice, the scope of the investigation includes imports of automobiles, SUVs, vans, light trucks. and automotive parts. The investigation will specifically consider whether the decline in domestic production of these products threatens to weaken the economy of the United States. As was the case in the recent Section 232 investigation on certain imports of aluminum and steel, the DOC will conduct this investigation with the required public comment period and public hearing process. No additional information as to possible product exemptions or proposed tariff levels has been offered, but a DOC notice will be published in the Federal Register “shortly” with more details on the investigation, including a timeline for proceedings.

The team at Arent Fox LLP has been working closely with automotive business leaders and associations to keep them apprised of the various fast-moving US trade developments affecting their industry. We will be monitoring this latest action and providing our readers with timely updates when information becomes available and is confirmed. Please feel free to call a member of the team or the Arent Fox professional who usually handles your matters with questions or concerns you have.

“There is evidence suggesting that, for decades, imports from abroad have eroded our domestic auto industry. The Department of Commerce will conduct a thorough, fair, and transparent investigation into whether such imports are weakening our internal economy and may impair the national security.”

– Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, May 23, 2018