GM And Ford Urge Trump To Block Stellantis Tariff Exemption

• GM and Ford are opposing Stellantis’ request for relief from a 25 percent tariff on Ram trucks made in Mexico.
• Both automakers say any exemption would create an unfair advantage and want consistent trade rules across the industry.
• The Trump administration has not yet decided whether to impose tariffs on medium-duty truck imports.

General Motors and Ford have pushed back against Stellantis’ appeal for relief from a potential 25 percent tariff that could impact its Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks built in Mexico. The two U.S. automakers argue that any waiver would distort competition and give Stellantis an unfair advantage over rivals who manufacture vehicles domestically under existing tariff rules.

In April, the U.S. Commerce Department launched an investigation into heavy truck imports, targeting medium- and heavy-duty models as part of an effort to boost U.S. production. President Donald Trump has already imposed a 25 percent tariff on heavy-duty trucks, but a final decision on medium-duty imports has yet to be made despite his earlier pledge to announce one by October 1.

Stellantis has reportedly been lobbying the administration to soften the blow, while GM and Ford have been urging officials to maintain consistency across the board. According to Crain’s Detroit Business, Stellantis produced more than 200,000 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks at its Saltillo plant in Mexico last year, generating around $13.8 billion in revenue. Analysts estimate the proposed duties could reduce Stellantis’ annual operating income by as much as $2 billion.

Ford, which builds all of its heavy-duty trucks in the United States, has publicly backed the administration’s tariff policy. “Ford appreciates the Trump administration’s recent direction on heavy trucks, which supports our shared goal of growing the American auto industry and U.S. manufacturing,” said Mark Truby, the company’s chief communications officer. “American autoworkers deserve a level playing field.”

A final ruling on medium-duty truck tariffs has yet to be announced, leaving automakers uncertain about how the policy will affect production, pricing, and North American supply chains.