Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that tariffs on the automotive sector, implemented under former President Donald Trump, are successfully bringing thousands of manufacturing jobs back to the United States. Lutnick highlighted these Section 232 auto tariffs as a key factor in strengthening the nation’s domestic manufacturing capabilities.
Speaking at Monterey Car Week in Monterey, California, Lutnick emphasized that these tariffs are actively encouraging auto manufacturing to return home. He specifically pointed to Ford Motor Co.’s decision to relocate Lincoln vehicle production to the U.S. by 2030, noting that Ford is making significant strides in bringing manufacturing back to America. Lutnick also acknowledged Toyota Motor Corp.’s plans to expand its U.S. manufacturing operations, particularly for trucks like the Tacoma and Tundra, which are already produced in facilities in San Antonio, Texas, and Kentucky.
The Commerce Secretary indicated that this domestic manufacturing push could create opportunities for a younger workforce. He mentioned the need to train young individuals for high-tech manufacturing roles, with companies reportedly hiring recent high school graduates for training programs that offer wages starting at 23 dollars an hour.
Ford CEO Jim Farley also attributed the automaker’s move to produce certain Lincoln models domestically, in part, to the tariffs. The Lincoln Nautilus, when imported from China, incurs a 52.5% tariff. Farley affirmed Ford’s commitment to U.S. manufacturing, stating that the company builds in America out of belief in the country. Ford recently unveiled its new sub-30,000 dollar electric pickup truck, named the Fathom, designed to compete with vehicles like the Tesla Inc. Cybertruck. According to Ford, the name Fathom reflects a deep understanding of how people live.
