U.S. tariffs championed by President Donald Trump are rippling through the global auto industry, triggering factory layoffs at U.S. parts suppliers and deep production cuts overseas. Several component makers have begun shedding workers or mothballing lines, saying the volatile trade policy makes it cost-lier to source materials and plan output. One executive cautioned that some companies "would rather stop producing in the U.S. than deal with the constant flux." The impact is starkest in the United Kingdom, where monthly industry data show May vehicle output sliding 32.8% from a year earlier to 49,810 units—the weakest performance for that month since 1949, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Exports to the United States, historically the most valuable market for British carmakers, sank 55.4% after the White House imposed a 25% levy on 3 April. Jaguar Land Rover, the largest UK exporter to America, temporarily halted shipments in response. Although Washington eased the duty to 10% for up to 100,000 UK-built cars in early May, manufacturers warn the reprieve does little to repair supply chains disrupted by the higher tariffs. Andy Palmer, former Aston Martin chief executive, said the measures "inevitably lead to inflation," with consumers ultimately footing the bill. Analysts add that ongoing model changeovers and higher energy costs are compounding pressures on both sides of the Atlantic. The SMMT expects output to remain weak until trade terms stabilize, while North American forecasters predict the region will finish the year roughly half a million vehicles below earlier production estimates if the tariff dispute drags on.