Steel Tariffs Could Hurt Southern Automakers, Some Experts Say

Mercedes-Benz USA opened its new North American headquarters in Sandy Springs last week. Tariffs on steel could affect the car industry in the South, some experts and German business leaders say.

Paul Abell / Abell Images for Mercedes-Benz USA

President Donald Trump’s 25 percent tariff on imported steel takes effect Friday.

German business leaders said they worry it could affect the car industry in the South, which has become a truly global car market.

Mercedes-Benz USA 

Mercedes-Benz USA CEO Dietmar Exler spoke at the company's grand opening of the new North American headquarters in Sandy Springs on March 15. He was joined by Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul and Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal. (Tasnim Shamma/WABE)
Mercedes-Benz USA CEO Dietmar Exler spoke at the company’s grand opening of the new North American headquarters in Sandy Springs on March 15. He was joined by Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul and Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal. (Tasnim Shamma/WABE)

Mercedes-Benz USA opened its new North American headquarters in metro Atlanta for 1,000 employees last week to the tune of violins.