Autoworkers in Warren, Michigan, a suburb near Detroit, expressed mixed reactions to President Donald Trump’s recent auto tariffs during discussions with Fox News Digital. Opinions varied from optimism to concern about the future impacts of these tariffs on domestic manufacturing.
One factory worker from FCA Warren Stamping Plant voiced approval, arguing that trade agreements like NAFTA should not have been established, as they have allowed jobs to move overseas in pursuit of cheap labor. This view reflects a belief that such agreements have contributed to the erosion of domestic employment opportunities and wage stagnation.
President Trump recently imposed 25% tariffs on cars and auto parts produced outside the United States. This initiative is expected to affect domestic brands like Chevrolet, which manufactures vehicles in Mexico, notably impacting the popular Equinox and following the closure of its major assembly plant in Lordstown, Ohio, in 2020. These tariffs remain unaffected by Trump’s recent announcement to pause reciprocal tariffs on various countries while increasing tariffs against China.
Tanya, an employee at the Chrysler-Stellantis Warren Truck Assembly Plant, expressed reservations about the tariffs but remains hopeful they might bolster the automotive sector.
The United Auto Workers union recently endorsed the tariffs, with its president, Shawn Fain, acknowledging his general disagreements with Trump but supporting this specific policy. The endorsement was announced at an event at Wayne State University in Detroit.
Daiquiri, employed at FCA Warren Stamping Plant, expressed ambivalence toward the tariffs. While he supports bringing manufacturing jobs back to the United States, he acknowledges the current situation is difficult for workers, as some are facing layoffs without knowing when they might return to work.
Another worker, David from Universal Logistics in Warren, criticized the tariffs, suggesting they might harm the auto industry. Meanwhile, Edward, a driver for Power Automotive, which distributes aftermarket car body parts, indicated concern about how these tariffs might impact their business, as many of their products originate from Asian countries. Edward expects initial challenges but hopes the market will eventually adjust, leading to potential benefits for American manufacturing.
President Trump recently increased tariffs on Chinese imports to 125%, citing a perceived lack of respect from Beijing towards the United States.
These developments reflect a complex and evolving situation for the automotive industry in Michigan, as stakeholders continue to assess the potential long-term effects of the tariffs on jobs and manufacturing within the U.S. Fox News’ Gabriel Hays contributed additional information to this report.