Zhi Tong Cai Jing·2025-10-23 05:48Core Viewpoint - The Alliance for Automotive Innovation urges the Trump administration not to impose new tariffs on factory robots and machinery, warning that such tariffs could increase production costs and lead to vehicle shortages, further driving up new car prices, which are already at historical highs [1] Group 1: Industry Concerns - The Alliance represents nearly all major automakers, including General Motors, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Hyundai, and submitted comments following a national security investigation initiated by the U.S. Department of Commerce [1] - The organization highlighted that approximately 40% of all new robots and industrial machinery installed in the U.S. in 2024 will be used in automotive production facilities [1] - Automakers request that any tariffs imposed should exempt robots and equipment actually used in U.S. production [1] Group 2: Additional Industry Voices - Tesla, not a member of the Alliance, also called on the Trump administration to avoid imposing tariffs, stating that such tariffs could weaken investment and slow down the construction of new factories or upgrades to existing ones [2] - Various foreign governments, including China, Canada, Japan, Switzerland, and the EU, have submitted opinions opposing the proposed tariffs [4] Group 3: Broader Economic Implications - The American Retail Federation warned that tariffs and potential equipment shortages could raise business costs and consumer prices, noting that its members widely use robotic technology in stores, warehouses, and distribution centers [5] - The U.S. Chamber of Commerce indicated that some critical machinery is only produced abroad, including extreme ultraviolet lithography equipment used in semiconductor manufacturing, and that tariffs could undermine efforts to build domestic semiconductor manufacturing capabilities [5]