Vance Says What About Tariffs?
On Wednesday, Vice President Vance addressed growing concerns about tariff exemptions for industries beyond U.S. automakers. In his remarks, he made it clear that the Trump administration is not inclined to grant further carve-outs for other sectors, despite requests from various industries. This statement came as the White House announced a temporary one-month exemption on tariffs for vehicles coming from Canada and Mexico.
While on a visit to the southern border, Vance was asked about the wave of industries seeking tariff relief after the administration temporarily lifted the tariffs on automotive imports under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). He responded by reinforcing President Trump’s position that tariffs should be applied broadly across all industries, emphasizing that granting exceptions to hundreds of sectors would undermine the overall strategy. Vance also stated that the best way for businesses to avoid tariff penalties is by investing in U.S. manufacturing. “The solution is simple: build your factories and operations here in America. That’s how you avoid the tariffs,” he said.
Vance’s comments align with Trump’s recent actions, which included a 25% tariff on all imports from Mexico and Canada, with a one-month reprieve for automakers. Following these moves, Trump met with the CEOs of major American car manufacturers, including Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, to discuss the trade impact and how the USMCA could affect future tariff policies.
When questioned about what steps the Mexican government could take to end the tariffs, Vance pointed to the need for stronger immigration enforcement. “Mexico needs to take border security seriously,” he said, highlighting the need for action on fentanyl trafficking, which is responsible for a staggering number of deaths in the U.S. He made it clear that the administration would apply all necessary pressure on Mexico to curb illegal immigration and the flow of dangerous drugs into the country.
Though the White House remains open to discussing further exemptions, Vance made it clear that the core strategy is to protect American jobs and manufacturing. The one-month extension for cars is set to expire in early April, at which point President Trump plans to impose reciprocal tariffs on any country that continues to levy duties on American products. This bold stance is a part of Trump’s broader plan to put America First and prioritize American industry over foreign interests.
