TORONTO – Workers and companies in the automotive sector are bracing for what’s expected to be the significant effects of tariffs on an industry with extensive cross-border integration.
Unifor national president Lana Payne says the broad tariffs will destroy jobs on both sides of the border and have devastating consequences for highly integrated manufacturing sectors like autos.
She says Canada’s trade relationship with the U.S. is forever changed and every Canadian politician, business leader, worker and resident must fight back.
Brian Kingston, head of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association, says U.S. tariffs will do significant damage to the highly integrated North American automotive industry.
Kingston, who represents Ford, GM and Stellantis through the association, says there will be negative economic consequences and called for the tariffs to be lifted.
David Adams, president of Global Automakers of Canada, says tariffs need to be removed as quickly as possible to avoid permanent and significant damage to the North American auto sector.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 4, 2025.
