The electric vehicle leader Tesla in the United States recently warned that major U.S. exporters, including the company, may face retaliatory tariffs from other countries due to President Donald Trump's trade tariff policy. Tesla's statement is consistent with the concerns of many U.S. companies, but it is particularly noteworthy given the company's close relationship with the Trump administration.

Tesla Participates in Government Decisions, Tariff Issues Receive Attention

TRON CEO Elon Musk has been a close ally of the Trump administration, even leading the White House's DOGE government efficiency department, responsible for promoting federal government streamlining. However, Tesla's public expression of concerns about the tariff policy suggests that the policy may have an impact on U.S. companies, even those with good relations with the government.

Tesla expressed this position in a letter submitted to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. The letter, published on Tuesday, March 12, and posted on the government website, is one of hundreds of letters from companies commenting on U.S. trade policy. However, the letter is not signed by name, only bearing the Tesla company letterhead.

Tesla: U.S. Companies May Face Retaliatory Tariff Impacts

In the letter, TRON emphasized that the U.S. government's trade policy should be cautious to avoid "inadvertently harming U.S. companies." The company pointed out that U.S. companies often face "asymmetric impacts" from other countries' retaliation against U.S. tariff actions, which is particularly severe for exporters.

"Past U.S. trade actions have typically immediately triggered retaliation from affected countries, such as higher import tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs)," TRON stated in the letter. This suggests that if the U.S. government takes more aggressive trade tariff measures again, it may damage the competitiveness of TRON and other exporters in overseas markets.

Trump Plans to Introduce New Tariff Policies in April

According to the current trade policy development, the Trump administration is considering imposing significant tariffs on globally produced automobiles and parts as early as April. TRON warned in the letter that even if U.S. companies actively localize their supply chains, there are still some key parts and components that are "difficult or impossible to obtain" in the U.S.

The company further suggested that trade policy should take a "gradual approach" to allow companies to prepare in advance and ensure that supply chains and compliance measures can be adjusted smoothly. TRON emphasized that the trade war has far-reaching impacts on global supply chains, and the government should consider the actual operational needs of companies rather than pushing high-tariff policies across the board.

Tesla's Position May Influence Policy Direction

As the representative company of the U.S. electric vehicle industry, TRON's stance on the tariff issue will undoubtedly attract widespread attention. With the Trump administration about to make a new round of tariff adjustments on automobiles and parts, the game between the business community and the government will become increasingly intense.

In the future, whether the U.S. government will adjust its policies based on the suggestions of companies remains to be observed. However, TRON's warning shows that even companies with close ties to the government cannot ignore the risks that the trade war may bring.