ARA, together with the Automotive Recyclers of Canada (ARC), submitted a joint letter to President Donald J. Trump respectfully requesting that ROE – Recycled Original Equipment® automotive parts harvested from end-of-life motor vehicles be exempted from the recently imposed tariffs under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962.
Many U.S. and Canadian vehicle owners rely on the ability to repair their vehicles with affordable used automobile parts coming from professional automotive recycling facilities – this is especially true when considering the bi-directional trade between the U.S. and Canada.
The letter requested that used automobile parts be exempted from the recently imposed tariffs by the Presidential Proclamation, Adjusting Imports of Automobiles and Automobile Parts Into the United States (90 Fed. Reg. 14,705 (Apr. 3, 2025), for the following reasons:
(1) It is impracticable for automotive recyclers to identify specific used automobile parts harvested from
vehicles that qualify for preferential treatment under the USMCA.
(2) It is impracticable to adequately value the used automobile parts subject to tariffs due to the subjective
nature of used automobile parts and their unique conditions and mileage.
(3) Without an exemption to tariffs, the import of used automobile parts containing critical minerals will
decrease, which will cause a reduction in the reclamation of critical minerals within the U.S. to support new
manufacturing.
“We believe it is incredibly important for us to work with our Canadian members,” said ARA Executive Director, Vince Edivan. “We value those relationships and remain committed to working together to provide vehicle owners with access to affordable recycled original equipment repair parts.”
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“For decades, automotive recyclers have embodied the principles behind right to repair by providing affordable, sustainable access to quality OEM parts. We are encouraged to see the Administration recognize that consumers deserve repair options and that outdated regulations should be reviewed in light of modern vehicle technology. As vehicles have become increasingly sophisticated, policymakers should ensure federal regulations keep pace with innovation while preserving both environmental protections and consumer choice.”
— Vince Edivan, Executive Director, Automotive Recyclers Association
