Japan and US Automakers to End Antidumping Steel Duties – Toyota, Nissan, Honda, GM, Ford and Daimler Chrysler

Toyota Motor Corp., Nissan Motor Corp., Honda Motor Corp., General Motors Corp, Ford Motor Corp., and Daimler Chrysler AG’s Chrysler division have for the first time ALL agreed on a single trade issue.

Whoa!

The six companies will recommend the U.S. International Trade Commission to remove duties on corrosion resistant steel – the steel that is kay to making cars.

Since 1993, the U.S. has imposed duties of up to 40% on corrosion resistant steel imports from Germany, South Korea and Germany.

The consensus now is that the U.S. steel makers can compete.

If the ITC agrees, prices for cars could ease somewhat.

Hmmm….

I don’t know if that is true or not…but I find it remarkable that these 6 major car makers could agree on anything…except maybe that Toyota will take over the top position eventually.

Perhaps if corrosion resistant steel becomes cheaper, the big Three thinks they will be able to compete with more competitive prices.

The answer is quality…quality. If American builds better cars, Americans will buy them. That’s the long term answer.

What do you think?

Mainichi News