The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce said Thursday tariffs on foreign autos and parts under consideration by the Trump administration would have “negative consequences” for the local economy.
“The implementation of tariffs would have negative consequences on our region’s highly developed integrated supply chain adversely impacting our local manufacturing and trade-related jobs,” said Paola Avila, vice president of international business affairs for the chamber and chair of the Border Trade Alliance.
The Trump administration is using national-security laws to consider imposing new tariffs of up to 25 percent on vehicles and auto parts that are imported, the Commerce Department announced Wednesday.
“San Diego is not just trading with Mexico. We are producing together. This advanced co-production relationship has resulted in a $2.5 billion manufacturing supply chain,” said Avila. “In fact, 10 percent of San Diego jobs are in the manufacturing industry — the second highest paid sector in San Diego.”
The U.S. auto industry, which relies on international supply chains, was also critical of the proposed tariffs. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, which represents General Motors, Ford and other manufacturers said imports do not pose a national security risk.
The San Diego chamber — the largest on the West Coast — has also been concerned about the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement, which President Trump has repeatedly threatened to cancel outright.
