It has been a whirlwind recently in the US, with the announcement of a 25 percent tariff on Australian-made automotive parts – chassis and drivetrain, tyres, body parts, engines components and electrical systems – sending shockwaves through our industry

This news is deeply concerning for AAAA members who have worked for decades to build strong, trusted trade relationships with the United States. Our industry is globally recognised for producing world-class 4WD and performance components that meet the highest standards of durability, innovation, and engineering excellence.
The introduction of these tariffs presents a serious threat to our continued success in a critical export market. Exports of Australian-made automotive parts to the US are valued at $346 million annually, with performance parts and 4WD accessories comprising a significant share. More broadly, our aftermarket design and manufacturing industry contributes $14B to the economy and supports over 38,000 jobs across the country.
We are in continuous discussions with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and now have a list of affected HS codes – confirming that our performance and 4WD sectors are most at risk. These are not just product lines; they represent decades of ingenuity, technical expertise and investment by Australian businesses.
We are also closely monitoring the additional 10 percent sector-wide tariff and up to 46 percent tariff on goods that may be designed in Australia but manufactured in Asia announced by the US Administration and working with DFAT and DSIR to assess the broader implications. Meetings are being scheduled with impacted exporters to provide the latest updates and strategic guidance.
The situation remains fluid. Comments from the US Administration indicate that further tariffs on additional components may follow, heightening the urgency for strong and immediate diplomatic engagement.
The AAAA is advocating vigorously at all levels of government. History shows that targeted, persistent diplomacy works – Australia successfully negotiated exemptions from similar US tariffs in 2019, and we will work with the government to pursue a similar outcome this time.
This is not the time for complacency. Tariffs of this scale threaten not just individual businesses but the broader economic contribution of Australian automotive manufacturing. We will continue pushing our case in the media, including recent mainstream coverage in the Australian Financial Review, The Australian, and the Herald Sun.
We will not allow these changes to go unchallenged. The AAAA is on the front line, working tirelessly to protect the interests of our members and the future of our sector. We encourage businesses to contact us with concerns and questions and we will be in regular communication with our affected members throughout this period.
Our message to members is clear: we are in this together. We will fight for fair trade, just as we have in the past, and we will continue to champion the innovation and excellence that make Australian-made components the best in the world.
On a separate note, we are very pleased to welcome both Peter Rogers (Repco Authorised Service) and Graeme Whickman (AMOTIV) to the AAAA Board. Peter brings a deep understanding of our industry and the independent workshop network, while Graeme adds a powerful global and strategic perspective. Their expertise will be invaluable as we continue to advocate for our members and strengthen our sector. I also want to thank Adam Pay for his exceptional contribution to our industry over the past decade – his insight and leadership have left a lasting mark.
And if you haven’t already secured your tickets, I strongly encourage you to invest in your future success by joining thousands of industry colleagues at Autocare 2025, Australia’s largest automotive training event, taking place in Brisbane on 20–21 June. Nowhere else will you find two days of in-depth training for technicians and workshop owners, delivered by leading local and international experts—plus a top-tier trade show and unbeatable networking opportunities, all under one roof!

Purchase tickets at www.autocare.org.au