At the upcoming CES trade show in Las Vegas, auto and tech giants will showcase their latest innovations amidst a backdrop of uncertainty surrounding tariffs. With President-elect Donald Trump set to take office, discussions around potential tariffs on imports from various countries are expected to dominate conversations at the event.
Deborah Weinswig, CEO of Coresight Research, anticipates that the proposed tariffs will be a significant point of discussion among industry leaders at CES. Companies may need to consider shifting suppliers and production to the United States to navigate potential disruptions in the supply chain.
While CES 2025 will still focus on cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, the looming tariffs will be a key topic in policy sessions and press conferences. Automakers, such as Honda, are already contemplating adjustments to their production strategies in response to the uncertain trade environment.
In addition to tariff concerns, President Trump’s plans to roll back policies supporting electric vehicles are causing further challenges for the automotive industry. Suppliers are facing pressure to adapt their cost structures swiftly, amidst supply chain complexities and labor shortages.
Despite these uncertainties, companies like Honda, Toyota, Bosch, and Continental are expected to showcase advancements in self-driving technology, software-driven enhancements, and AI integration in vehicles. Industry leaders from various sectors will address questions about navigating the impacts of tariffs and rising costs through technological innovation.
As the industry grapples with these challenges, the focus at CES will be on collaboration, technology-driven solutions, and strategic planning to address the evolving landscape of trade policies and market dynamics.
“Everyone is attempting to analyze all potential scenarios.” (Reporting by Abhirup Roy in San Francisco; Editing by Peter Henderson and Matthew Lewis)
