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Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump's Copper Tariff Threats Are Already Raising Factory Costs
(Bloomberg) — US President Donald Trump's plans to place hefty import tariffs on copper have already caused a spike in costs for American factories, with New York futures trading 25% higher than other global benchmarks on Tuesday. Are Tourists Ruining Europe? How Locals Are Pushing Back Can Americans Just Stop Building New Highways? Denver City Hall Takes a Page From NASA Philadelphia Trash Piles Up as Garbage Workers' Strike Drags On The fresh spike in US prices came after Trump said he planned to place a 50% tariff on copper imports, doubling down on a threat he first made in February to impose targeted levies on the crucial industrial metal. A 50% tariff would match duties he has already imposed on steel and aluminum in a bid to revive US production, but it would take a particularly heavy toll on American factories, which rely on overseas suppliers for nearly half of the copper they buy. For months, the price of copper in New York has been ratcheting higher as buyers have raced to stock up before the levies are imposed. In the process, input costs for American manufacturers have surged above prices that their rivals pay in the rest of the world. The disconnect reached unprecedented levels on Tuesday, as Comex futures spiked to trade at a 25% premium to the global benchmark set in London. US copper buyers have already sounded the alarm about the long-term threat that the levies pose, arguing that they risk undermining Trump's core ambitions to revive manufacturing and challenge China's industrial might. 'Any restrictions on US imports of copper cathode would merely redirect copper supply to China,' a representative for top US copper importer Southwire Company LLC said in April in written comments to the US Commerce Department, which at Trump's request had been investigating whether to impose levies. 'At the same time, US copper producers would face significant shortages of supply, particularly in the short- and medium-term, as US copper production cannot increase fast enough to fill the supply gap.' Those warnings appear to have gone unheeded, with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick telling CNBC Tuesday that it concluded its investigation, and it's now up to Trump to decide what levy to charge. One consolation for manufacturers is that, for now, there's plenty of copper on US shores for them to buy — even if it does carry an eye-watering price tag. Traders have been shipping record volumes of copper to America to take advantage of the spike in prices, and there's now more copper stored in Comex warehouses than there is in the combined depots overseen by the London Metal Exchange and the Shanghai Futures Exchange. Will Trade War Make South India the Next Manufacturing Hub? 'Telecom Is the New Tequila': Behind the Celebrity Wireless Boom Pistachios Are Everywhere Right Now, Not Just in Dubai Chocolate SNAP Cuts in Big Tax Bill Will Hit a Lot of Trump Voters Too 'Our Goal Is to Get Their Money': Inside a Firm Charged With Scamming Writers for Millions ©2025 Bloomberg L.P. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Born in the USA: Cars Actually Built on American Soil
Not every 'American' car is truly made here. Plenty of vehicles wear badges from Detroit but are built elsewhere, while some foreign brands have quietly become major employers on U.S. soil. If you care about supporting American manufacturing, you'll want to know which cars are actually assembled here, by American workers in American factories. These models weren't just designed for our market; they're built for it, right here at home. From pickups to electric SUVs, here are the cars that are genuinely Born in the USA. To create this list, we focused on vehicles that are assembled in the United States by American workers. Final assembly location was the key factor, since that's where the bulk of labor and factory operations happen. While many cars today use globally sourced parts, we gave priority to models that also rank high on the American-Made Index, which evaluates U.S. production based on factors like domestic parts content, engine and transmission sourcing, and factory location. We also included both American and international brands to highlight that being built in the USA isn't limited to Detroit's Big Three. In fact, some of the most 'American-made' cars on the market come from companies like Honda, Toyota, and BMW, whose U.S. plants employ thousands of workers and contribute significantly to local economies. Each vehicle on this list is actively assembled in the U.S., with a focus on mass-market relevance, availability, and economic impact, not just nameplate heritage. One of the most American-made vehicles you can buy, the Tesla Model Y is assembled at both the Fremont Factory in California and the state-of-the-art Gigafactory Texas in Austin. Tesla handles much of its own supply chain in-house, including battery production, drivetrain assembly, and software development, which helps the Model Y achieve one of the highest domestic content scores in the industry. In fact, the Model Y consistently ranks at or near the top of the annual American-Made Index, which measures how much of a vehicle's manufacturing footprint — parts, labor, and sourcing — happens within U.S. borders. Beyond just final assembly, Tesla's vertical integration means more American jobs and less dependence on foreign components. For drivers looking to go electric and support American manufacturing, the Model Y delivers on both fronts. Honda was the first Japanese automaker to build cars in the United States, and it chose Marysville, Ohio, as the place to make history. Since 1982, the Accord has been assembled at the Marysville Auto Plant, a facility that now spans millions of square feet and employs thousands of American workers. Over the decades, the Accord has become one of the most trusted and best-selling sedans in the country. Known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and comfortable ride, it's a staple of American driveways—and it's built by generations of skilled U.S. workers who take pride in their craft. Honda's investment in Ohio helped pave the way for other foreign automakers to establish roots in the U.S., proving that American manufacturing and global quality could go hand in hand. The Toyota Camry has been built in Georgetown, Kentucky, since 1988, making it one of the longest-running foreign-brand vehicles produced in the U.S. Today, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) is the company's largest vehicle plant in the world, employing over 8,000 people and producing hundreds of thousands of vehicles each year. Despite its Japanese origins, the Camry regularly ranks near the top of the American-Made Index thanks to its high percentage of U.S.-sourced parts and domestic assembly. It's a go-to family sedan known for its reliability, comfort, and value, but it's also a major player in American manufacturing. For drivers who want to support U.S. jobs without sacrificing quality or affordability, the Camry proves you don't need an American badge to buy American-built. Few cars carry the spirit of American performance quite like the Chevrolet Corvette. Built exclusively in Bowling Green, Kentucky, since 1981, every Corvette—from the classic Stingray to the fire-breathing Z06 and hybrid E-Ray—is hand-assembled by skilled American workers. The factory even offers buyers the chance to watch their car being built or to assemble their own engine at the Performance Build Center, located on-site. More than just a symbol of speed, the Corvette is a point of pride for General Motors and American craftsmanship. It showcases what U.S. engineering and manufacturing can achieve, combining cutting-edge technology with iconic design. While other sports cars might come from Italy, Germany, or Japan, the Corvette remains unapologetically homegrown—both on the road and on the factory floor. The Ford F-150 isn't just a best-seller; it's a cornerstone of American manufacturing. Assembled in both Dearborn, Michigan, and Claycomo, Missouri, the F-150 supports tens of thousands of jobs across its production and supply chains. The Dearborn Truck Plant is part of Ford's historic Rouge Complex, a symbol of industrial might since the early 20th century, while the Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo is one of the most productive auto plants in the country. Every F-150, from the workhorse XL to the luxurious Platinum and even the all-electric Lightning, reflects the evolution of American ingenuity. Despite growing global supply chains, Ford continues to prioritize U.S. assembly for its flagship truck. For many buyers, driving an F-150 isn't just about utility—it's about backing American workers and a legacy of blue-collar pride. A symbol of rugged capability and American design, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is proudly built in Detroit at the newly developed Detroit Assembly Complex – Mack. Opened in 2021, this facility marked the first new auto plant in the city in nearly 30 years and brought thousands of jobs back to the heart of the Motor City. Long known for its blend of off-road strength and on-road comfort, the Grand Cherokee has become a staple in American driveways. With its production rooted in Detroit, it also represents a renewed commitment to U.S. manufacturing by Stellantis (formerly Fiat Chrysler). From family road trips to off-the-grid adventures, the Grand Cherokee continues to deliver—and it does so with American labor, materials, and know-how behind every model. It may wear a German badge, but the BMW X5 is made right here in the U.S., and not just for American buyers. Every X5 sold worldwide is built at BMW's Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, a sprawling facility that's become the company's largest global production site. Opened in 1994, the plant now produces over 1,500 vehicles a day and supports more than 11,000 jobs. BMW's investment in American manufacturing is substantial, with billions spent expanding operations and sourcing from local suppliers. The X5, along with other BMW SUVs like the X3, X6, and X7, has helped turn Spartanburg into a global export hub. It's a prime example of how foreign automakers can bring serious manufacturing muscle—and economic impact—to American soil. Hyundai may be based in South Korea, but the Santa Fe is proudly assembled in Montgomery, Alabama, at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA). Since opening in 2005, this facility has produced millions of vehicles for American roads and has become one of the largest private employers in the state. The Santa Fe, a popular midsize SUV, is built alongside the Tucson and the Santa Cruz compact pickup. Hyundai's Alabama plant not only handles final assembly but also includes an engine manufacturing facility on-site, helping boost its domestic content. With consistent investments in U.S. jobs, training programs, and local suppliers, Hyundai is a perfect example of how global brands are deeply rooted in American communities. Big, bold, and built in Texas: the Toyota Tundra is assembled at the San Antonio plant, a facility that opened in 2006 and now employs thousands of workers. The plant was designed specifically for full-size truck production and sources a significant portion of its parts from nearby suppliers, many of which set up shop right next to the factory. The Tundra was developed with American drivers in mind, and its assembly location reflects that commitment. Whether you're hauling equipment, towing a trailer, or just commuting in comfort, the Tundra combines Toyota's reputation for reliability with the kind of toughness Texans — and truck buyers everywhere — expect. It's a global brand, but this full-size pickup is all-American when it comes to where and how it's built. Honda's plant in Lincoln, Alabama, is a powerhouse of American manufacturing, assembling three key vehicles for the U.S. market: the Odyssey minivan, the Passport SUV, and the Ridgeline pickup. This facility has been in operation since 2001 and has produced millions of vehicles, employing thousands of local workers and supporting a broad network of U.S.-based suppliers. Each of these models is tailored to American lifestyles. The Odyssey remains a favorite among families for its space and safety features, the Passport offers rugged utility in a two-row midsize SUV, and the Ridgeline provides truck capability with car-like comfort. Built together under one roof, these vehicles show how Honda continues to invest deeply in the American South—and in the American consumer. Built in the city where the Jeep brand was born, the Gladiator pickup is assembled in Toledo, Ohio, alongside its sibling, the Wrangler. Jeep's Toledo Assembly Complex has been producing vehicles for more than eight decades and remains one of the longest-running automotive plants in the country. The Gladiator combines the off-road DNA of the Wrangler with the utility of a midsize pickup, making it one of the most versatile trucks on the market. From its removable roof and doors to its trail-rated hardware, it's engineered for adventure — and built by American hands in a city that's been shaping the Jeep legacy since World War II. For many fans, that heritage is just as important as the hardware. Volkswagen's electric future is taking shape in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where the ID.4 electric SUV is now being built for the North American market. The Chattanooga plant, which opened in 2011, was expanded and retooled specifically to support EV production, including an on-site battery pack assembly facility. The ID.4 is VW's first fully electric vehicle assembled in the U.S., marking a major milestone for both the brand and American EV manufacturing. By shifting production stateside, Volkswagen reduced its reliance on imports, shortened supply chains, and created hundreds of new jobs. For drivers looking to go electric while still supporting American workers, the Chattanooga-built ID.4 offers a smart, spacious, and domestically assembled option. Buying American isn't just about waving a flag or picking a familiar badge — it's about knowing where your vehicle is actually built, and who's building it. From legacy brands like Ford and Jeep to global automakers like Toyota, Honda, and BMW, thousands of vehicles are assembled every day right here in the United States by American workers. These cars, trucks, and SUVs represent more than just horsepower or hauling capacity. They support local communities, create jobs, and keep the American manufacturing tradition alive. So, whether you're after an electric crossover, a reliable sedan, or a rugged pickup, you've got options that are truly born on American soil — and built with pride.
The Drive
17-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Drive
Can Americans Even Afford To Buy American-Made Cars?
The latest car news, reviews, and features. This morning, a new survey proclaimed that 55% of 'in-market car shoppers' would be willing to pay more for a car if it created American jobs. If new taxes keep discouraging imported vehicles and materials from our market, we're not going to have a choice. Vehicles assembled in American factories carry the highest average price—$53,000—compared to the overall average of about $50,000. new 'American-Made Index,' a big info-dump on the state of our auto industry and its relationship to the global car economy, is the source of these little revelations. Some of the 2025 AMI stats are consistent with what we've seen the last few years: Tesla and Honda do the most car-making in America, while the Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado are not even in the top 20 'most American.' The Jeep Gladiator, built in Toledo, is the only pickup truck that really syncs with its rah-rah-'murica marketing. At least, from a manufacturing standpoint. Meanwhile, Korean companies seem to be trending toward American assembly most expediously; the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and Kia EV9 are now all made in Georgia. The EV6 has a remarkably high American parts content of 80%. But the difference in average pricing by nation of origin is what caught my attention this year. The takeaway is: Inexpensive cars are dying, and taxes are speeding their demise. These two slides from the AMI presentation lay the situation out (scroll between them with the little arrows on the sides of the slide): The bottom line is that cars made in America are, generally speaking, more expensive. There are not that many new vehicles with an MSRP under $30,000 these days, but of the ones that are, 91% are manufactured abroad and exposed to the pressures of tariffs. More specifically, out of 19 U.S. market cars listed under $35,000, only two are made in America. The data above tells us that de-globalizing the automobile industry will increase consumer costs. But the scariest part is, nobody really knows what the long-term logistical environment for cars will look like. And that's a tough problem to face when every company in an industry is international. Got a tip? Drop us a line at tips@
