The ACA said Mexico and Canada are the American auto care industry's "largest and most critical trading partners, accounting for 58 percent of auto parts imports and 76 percent auto parts exports in 2023."
The ACA said that an increasing number of vehicle owners have delayed vehicle maintenance, from 21.6 percent in 2021 to 25.1 percent in 2023, primarily due to costs.
"A potential 25 percent to 100 percent cost increase for replacement automotive parts is likely to drive the price of vehicle maintenance and repair up for consumers even further. This would result in even more vehicles in operation on American roadways that are past due for service and in need of repair. With the sting of inflation still being felt by many Americans, the Auto Care Association supports the incoming Trump administration's goal of achieving fair trade and we strongly encourage the incoming Trump administration to pursue trade measures that will help to lower everyday costs for Americans," the association said.
Meanwhile, the USTMA said it expects to see a shift in regulatory priorities, including a potential regulatory pause, while the new administration reviews and assesses existing policies.
"This change offers the tire industry an avenue to engage with fresh faces and perspectives within the administration, advancing a dialogue about the tire industry's key issues and challenges including sustainability, innovation, and economic growth," the association said.
"Building on its proactive efforts, USTMA will continue to advocate for updates to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) standards, trade policies that support domestic manufacturing, and initiatives to enhance industry competitiveness in global markets. Additionally, we plan to work with state governments and other stakeholders to address policy gaps and ensure alignment with industry goals and priorities.
"While we cannot speculate on specific tariff proposals at this time, trade policies, including tariffs, have a direct impact on the U.S. tire industry, particularly regarding the costs of raw materials, equipment and other products," the USTMA said.
"USTMA remains focused on advocating for fair trade practices that support domestic tire manufacturing and jobs. USTMA will continue working closely with federal and state policymakers to ensure trade policies align with the industry's broader goals of sustainability, innovation and economic growth."