Trade

The success of the U.S. automotive industry depends on its performance on the global stage – where the free exchange of goods isn’t just beneficial; it’s essential to progress, economic growth, and innovation.

U.S.-Built Vehicles are Exported Worldwide

Currently, international automakers export 695,000 American-made vehicles to 130 countries annually. That is worth $24 billion to the U.S. economy, bolstering job creation, economic growth, and new investments across communities nationwide.

Share of International Automakers' U.S.-Made Exports by Region, 2022

Trade is vital to the U.S. automotive sector, and in order to bolster investments in American workers and communities, we need trade policies that encourage competition, open markets, and create certainty through meaningful enforcement mechanisms.

Trade Supports Jobs in Manufacturing States

Alabama

17,998

17,998 Total Jobs.

968,704

2022 Production: 968,704.

15 Models Exported from Alabama.

Georgia

6,047

6,047 Total Jobs.

340,000

2022 Production: 340,000.

4 Models Exported from Georgia.

Indiana

17,267

17,267 Total Jobs.

782,900

2022 Production: 782,900.

10 Models Exported from Indiana.

Kentucky

11,312

11,312 Total Jobs.

445,136

2022 Production: 445,136.

6 Models Exported from Kentucky.

Mississippi

7,334

7,334 Total Jobs.

378,764

2022 Production: 378,764.

4 Models Exported from Mississippi.

Ohio

16,689

16,689 Total Jobs.

416,379

2022 Production: 416,379.

9 Models Exported from Ohio.

South Carolina

15,420

15,420 Total Jobs.

485,291

2022 Production: 485,291.

9 Models Exported From South Carolina.

Tennessee

16,972

16,972 Total Jobs.

413,746

2022 Production: 413,746.

7 Models Exported From Tennessee.

Texas

12,249

12,249 Total Jobs.

126,189

2022 Production: 126,189.

3 Models Exported from Texas.

Free trade agreements open markets and reduce barriers like tariffs and quotas — enabling the industry to source high-quality materials and build resilient supply chains — thus lowering the cost of vehicles for consumers. They also generate new and exciting careers and the creation of new American-made products to export to our trading partners overseas.

Moreover, free trade stimulates innovation by fostering the exchange of technological advances and expertise across borders, which has never been more important as automotive technology is rapidly evolving towards electrification. Free trade agreements also ensure a level playing field. They can help resolve disputes and protect intellectual property rights, ensuring that competition remains to benefit all stakeholders.

Trade barriers lead to higher costs for Americans, production and delivery delays, and a less competitive domestic automotive industry. That’s why we advocate for policies that not only improve the health and growth of the auto industry but also bring broader economic gains and technological advancements to the U.S. market.

Learn more about our trade data here.

Our Comments & Letters

Autos Drive America is strongly committed to trade policies that promote market openness and encourage investments in the U.S.

The success of the U.S. automotive industry depends on its performance on the global stage – where the free exchange of goods isn’t just beneficial; it’s essential to progress, economic growth, and innovation.

U.S.-Built Vehicles are Exported Worldwide

Trade is vital to the U.S. automotive sector, and in order to bolster investments in American workers and communities, we need trade policies that encourage competition, open markets, and create certainty through meaningful enforcement mechanisms.

Trade Supports Jobs in Manufacturing States

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