Whitmer worries Trump tariff policies could hurt Michigan automakers

LANSING (FOX 2) - Governor Gretchen Whitmer is worried that UAW auto jobs could be lost due to new tariffs that may be imposed by President-Elect Donald Trump's administration.

Tim Skubick: "Your worst nightmare is that the Trump administration tariffs will cost UAW jobs in your state."

"That's a nightmare scenario for all of us," Whitmer said.

The incoming US president has not tipped his hand on what his tariff policy will be. But all the uncertainty is causing concerns in the domestic auto industry - and the governor's office.

The problem is that many of the parts that go into our domestic vehicles come from Mexico and Canada. If the president slaps a tariff on those parts coming into Michigan, the governor fears it will impact automakers - and jobs.

"Tariffs between Mexico and Canada will make it even more difficult for our auto industry because the cars that we buy that are Michigan-made are back and forth," Whitmer said. "There are pieces made from all parts of North America and even China that we need to be mindful of."

All that would result in sticker shock with higher vehicle costs domestically.

All of this would help the Chinese sell more cars in other countries and take sales away from American carmakers too.

Governor Whitmer argues the Chinese have one advantage - they don't have to make a profit in foreign markets.

"The Chinese government are underwriting its car manufacturing. They don't need to make a profit. They are just trying to drive all these other countries out of business," she said. "We can't let that happen here in our state."

All the governor can do now, is wait to see what the new president does - with fingers crossed, that any new tariffs will not cost auto jobs in Michigan.