Critical Time for Welsh Automotive

With 30,000 Welsh jobs in the Automotive Supply Chain and 20% of Automotive Trade in Wales going into the USA, the Spring Statement 2025 and the announcement of 25% tariffs on UK automotive exports to the US present serious concerns for our sector in Wales.

These announcements come at a time when manufacturers across the Wales are already facing immense challenges: transition to Net Zero, global supply chain pressures, energy prices, labour costs and persistent skills shortages.

While we welcome continued commitments to R&D and innovation, it was disappointing to hear a Spring Statement that offered little direct support for manufacturers, and in fact confirmed fiscal measures that could reduce consumer demand for vehicles – right when we need to be encouraging uptake of new technologies to support the transition to net zero.

The market transition is not keeping pace with political ambition. The automotive industry has the expertise, capability and drive to deliver growth – and green growth at that – but we urgently need the right policies to make that vision a reality.

The US is a long-standing and critical export market for UK-built vehicles. Rather than escalating trade barriers, we must explore mutually beneficial ways to strengthen ties, support innovation, and grow transatlantic investment and employment.

The Welsh Automotive Forum is calling on the UK and devolved governments to:

• Work collaboratively with Welsh Industry on policies that support manufacturers during these challenging times
• Engage in immediate, high-level discussions with US trade counterparts to avoid harmful tariffs
• Provide targeted support to protect supply chains, safeguard jobs and sustain investment

Wales has a proud tradition of manufacturing excellence. With the right support, our sector can continue to lead – but we must act now.

#WelshAutomotive #UKAutomotive #SpringStatement2025 #ManufacturingMatters #TradePolicy #ZeroEmissionMobility #WalesEconomy #GreenGrowth #Tariffs #IndustrialStrategy #ExportSupport

Autolink Tuesday 13th May 2025 at Cardiff City Stadium

Autolink returns this year on Tuesday 13th May 2025. Full details and tickets will soon be available on our website.

If you would like to share any news and events from your organisation, please send it to info@welshautomotiveforum.co.uk or contact 07507 713546

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