Published on March 6, 2025
This executive order modifies previous tariff regulations on Mexican imports, specifically exempting automotive parts and components that fall under existing free trade agreements between the US, Mexico, and Canada from additional duties. The order also reduces tariffs on certain potash imports from 25% to 10%, with these changes taking effect on March 7, 2025, citing the importance of automotive production to US employment, innovation, and national security.
While presented as a measure to protect the US automotive industry, this order appears to primarily benefit large multinational corporations by selectively exempting them from border-related tariffs while maintaining pressure on other sectors. The timing and selective nature of these exemptions suggests a calculated move to appease specific industry lobbyists while maintaining the appearance of a tough stance on border issues, effectively creating a two-tier system that favors large automotive corporations over smaller businesses and other industries.
Though framed as a protective measure for American automotive workers and national security, this order primarily serves to create preferential treatment for specific industries while maintaining broader trade restrictions. The public should be particularly aware of how this selective enforcement of tariffs could create market inequities and potentially undermine the stated goals of the original border-related tariff policy.
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2483), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, I hereby determine and order: Section 1. Background. Automotive production is a major source of United States employment and innovation and is integral to United States economic and national security. The American automotive industry as currently structured often trades substantial volumes of automotive parts and components across our borders in the interest of bringing supply chains closer to North America. In order to minimize disruption to the United States automotive industry and automotive workers, it is appropriate to adjust the tariffs imposed on articles of Mexico in Executive Order 14194 of February 1, 2025 (Imposing Duties to Address the Situation at Our Southern Border). Sec. 2. Product Coverage. (a) Articles that are entered free of duty as a good of Mexico under the terms of general note 11 to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), including any treatment set forth in subchapter XXIII of chapter 98 and subchapter XXII of chapter 99 of the HTSUS, as related to the Agreement between the United States of America, United Mexican States, and Canada, shall not be subject to the additional ad valorem rate of duty described in section 2(a) of Executive Order 14194. (b) The additional rate of duty on potash that is not subject to subsection (a) of this section shall be reduced to 10 percent in lieu of 25 percent. (c) The modifications set out in this section shall be effective with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time on March 7, 2025. Sec. 3. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative or legislative proposals. (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. (c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person. DONALD J. TRUMP THE WHITE HOUSE, March 6, 2025.