【4.7 Lithium Battery News】Countries and Automakers Take Measures to Counter US Auto Tariffs

CAAM Hopes the US Will Listen to Industry Voices and Correct Its Wrongdoings in a Timely MannerAccording to CAAM, US President Trump recently signed a proclamation imposing a 25% tariff on imported vehicles and certain parts. CAAM expressed firm opposition to this move and hopes the US will listen to industry voices and correct its wrongdoings in a timely manner. The automotive industry is highly globalized, relying on efficient cross-border supply chains to optimize global resource allocation, providing safe and convenient transportation and logistics tools for users worldwide. The US's tariff hike for its own benefit is a typical unilateralist approach, severely violating WTO rules, disrupting normal trade order, significantly impacting the stability of the global automotive supply chain, and further driving up car prices, imposing additional burdens on consumers in the US and other countries, and negatively affecting global economic recovery. CAAM calls on the US government to listen to industry voices, correct its wrongdoings in a timely manner, seek mutually beneficial solutions through consultations, and engage in international trade with an open, inclusive, and cooperative attitude to jointly maintain the prosperity and stability of the global automotive industry. Meanwhile, CAAM will actively communicate and collaborate with international peers to address this challenge and contribute to protecting global consumer rights and promoting world economic development.

Nissan Withdraws US Plant Production Cut Plan in Response to Trump TariffsNissan revealed on the 4th that it has withdrawn the production cut plan at its US plant, originally scheduled to take effect in April as part of rationalization measures, and will maintain the current production system. This move aims to keep the scale of local production, which is not subject to tariffs, in light of the US Trump administration's tariff hike on imported vehicles, which took effect on the 3rd. Nissan had previously announced plans to partially reduce production shifts at its Tennessee plant, which manufactures the SUV "ROGUE." Additionally, Nissan had originally entrusted its alliance partner, French automaker Renault, to produce pickup trucks in Argentina but has now shifted production to its own plant in Mexico to reduce outsourcing costs.

Automotive Giant Stellantis Announces Layoffs at US Plants and Suspends Production in Canada and MexicoAutomotive giant Stellantis announced on the 3rd that due to the severe impact of Trump's tariff policies on the industry, it has decided to lay off 900 employees at five US plants and suspend production at two assembly plants in Canada and Mexico. The multinational automaker stated that the Chrysler assembly plant in Windsor, Canada, will halt production from the 7th to the 21st of this month. The plant, with about 4,000 employees, is one of Stellantis' three plants in Canada. The Jeep assembly plant in Toluca, Mexico, will also suspend operations for about a month. Many Stellantis employees have expressed concerns about the shutdown.

South Korea Plans to Inject 3 Trillion Won in Emergency Aid to Local Automotive IndustrySouth Korean officials said on Sunday that the government plans to inject 3 trillion won ($2 billion) in emergency aid into the local automotive industry to mitigate the impact of the US's new 25% tariffs. South Korea is one of the countries most affected by Trump's tariffs, with its car exports to the US accounting for nearly half of its total overseas car sales. A spokesperson from the Ministry of Economy and Finance stated, "Although the specific amount has not been finalized, it is expected to be around 3 trillion won. The funds will be disbursed through existing loan programs at the Industrial Bank."

Jaguar Land Rover Suspends Exports of UK-Made Cars to the US for One Month Due to TariffsBritish automaker Jaguar Land Rover will suspend exports of its UK-made cars to the US for one month as it explores ways to mitigate the cost impact of US President Trump's 25% tariff on cars.

Enjie Co., Ltd.: Subsidiary Signs Lithium Battery Separator Supply Agreement with a US Automotive CompanyEnjie Co., Ltd. (002812.SZ) announced that its subsidiary, Enjie USA, has signed a supply agreement with a US automotive company, which is expected to purchase approximately 973 million square meters of lithium battery separators from Enjie USA (and its affiliates) from 2026 to 2030, subject to purchase orders. The agreement will remain effective for five years from the start of supply and will automatically renew for one-year terms. The signing of this agreement is expected to have a positive impact on the company's operating performance from 2026 to 2030.

Canada Retaliates Against US Tariffs: Imposes 25% Tariff on US CarsCanadian Prime Minister Carney held a press conference in Ottawa on April 3, announcing a series of countermeasures against the US's so-called "reciprocal tariffs." Carney stated that US President Trump's tariff policies are an attempt to reshape the international trade system. All of Canada's countermeasures are aimed at protecting its industrial workers. He revealed that thousands of workers have already lost their jobs due to US tariffs. Carney announced that Canada will impose a 25% tariff on all US-imported cars. All proceeds from the counter-tariff measures will be reinvested into the automotive industry. Carney stated that Canada will seek to renegotiate trade agreements with the US and look for more reliable trading partners. For the domestic economy, Carney announced a series of stimulus measures to support local businesses, including eliminating domestic trade barriers, establishing a unified domestic market, and building a large number of residential properties.Click for Details