Elon Musk’s Tesla warns of repercussions stemming from Donald Trump’s trade tariffs, emphasizing the risk of retaliatory measures from other countries. The electric vehicle maker is adjusting its supply chain while grappling with declining share prices and increasing anti-Tesla sentiments linked to Musk’s ties with the Trump administration.
Tesla Expresses Alarm Over Trade Tariffs Amid Trump's Support

Tesla Expresses Alarm Over Trade Tariffs Amid Trump's Support
Concerns mount for Tesla as Trump tariffs face potential retaliation from foreign markets, impacting US exporters.
Article Text:
In a timely letter to the US trade representative, Tesla has voiced its apprehensions regarding potential adverse effects stemming from Donald Trump’s recent trade tariffs, which could lead other nations to impose retaliatory measures. This communication comes shortly after Trump hosted an event at the White House, explicitly pledging his support for Musk's electric vehicle manufacturer.
Despite his close relationship with the president, Tesla cautioned that US exporters, including itself, might be subject to "disproportionate impacts" due to retaliation from other countries. The letter was notably unsigned, raising questions about its authorship and whether Musk had prior knowledge of its contents.
Tesla's shares have plummeted by 40% since the beginning of the year, although commentators suggest Musk’s political alignment may be less to blame than concerns regarding the company's production capabilities and declining sales. The firm acknowledged the steps it is taking in localizing its supply chain to lessen dependence on international suppliers but noted that some components remain challenging to source domestically.
Trump's implementation of a 20% tariff on Chinese imports has triggered retaliatory actions from Beijing, impacting Tesla's operations within its second-largest market. The letter highlighted that previous trade measures from the US resulted in immediate tariff hikes on electric vehicles in targeted countries. Furthermore, both the European Union and Canada have indicated potential retaliatory responses to the US tariffs on steel and aluminum.
In an intense twist, Trump has also addressed ongoing protests against Tesla in recent weeks, calling for strong responses to demonstrators who he claims are impeding a significant American enterprise. At the White House, he suggested that those engaging in violent protests against Tesla could "go through hell." As tensions between economic policies and public sentiment heighten, Tesla's challenges surrounding production and public perception continue to grow.
In a timely letter to the US trade representative, Tesla has voiced its apprehensions regarding potential adverse effects stemming from Donald Trump’s recent trade tariffs, which could lead other nations to impose retaliatory measures. This communication comes shortly after Trump hosted an event at the White House, explicitly pledging his support for Musk's electric vehicle manufacturer.
Despite his close relationship with the president, Tesla cautioned that US exporters, including itself, might be subject to "disproportionate impacts" due to retaliation from other countries. The letter was notably unsigned, raising questions about its authorship and whether Musk had prior knowledge of its contents.
Tesla's shares have plummeted by 40% since the beginning of the year, although commentators suggest Musk’s political alignment may be less to blame than concerns regarding the company's production capabilities and declining sales. The firm acknowledged the steps it is taking in localizing its supply chain to lessen dependence on international suppliers but noted that some components remain challenging to source domestically.
Trump's implementation of a 20% tariff on Chinese imports has triggered retaliatory actions from Beijing, impacting Tesla's operations within its second-largest market. The letter highlighted that previous trade measures from the US resulted in immediate tariff hikes on electric vehicles in targeted countries. Furthermore, both the European Union and Canada have indicated potential retaliatory responses to the US tariffs on steel and aluminum.
In an intense twist, Trump has also addressed ongoing protests against Tesla in recent weeks, calling for strong responses to demonstrators who he claims are impeding a significant American enterprise. At the White House, he suggested that those engaging in violent protests against Tesla could "go through hell." As tensions between economic policies and public sentiment heighten, Tesla's challenges surrounding production and public perception continue to grow.