Ann Marie Uetz Comments on the Impact of Expanded Steel and Aluminum Tariffs on the Automotive Industry

Foley & Lardner LLP partner Ann Marie Uetz was recently quoted in the NPR article, “Automakers brace for higher costs as steel and aluminum tariffs kick in,” discussing the effects of the U.S. government’s expanded tariffs on steel and aluminum, which are expected to add more pressure on the automotive industry.

Uetz, a trial attorney who often represents auto suppliers, explained that even if automakers don’t want to share those costs, they often have no choice. “The [automakers] can’t afford for all their suppliers to go out of business,” she said.

Uetz also noted that while deregulation might be welcomed, it’s not the current focus for companies. “The suppliers I am talking to right now are so hyper-focused on tariffs and trade,” she said. “They’re absolutely hyper-focused on these costs right now, until they get some certainty.”