Tariff Relief For Automakers! Is Trump Finally Listening to the Beet Farmers?

False! The Economy is Not Just About Paper

As Assistant Regional Manager (and volunteer Sheriff's Deputy) I Dwight K. Schrute am uniquely qualified to comment on this developing situation. These tariffs like bears beets and Battlestar Galactica are serious business. But even I a man who understands the delicate balance of power between man and beet recognize the potential for…adjustments. Apparently President Trump a man who I assume appreciates a firm handshake and a solid day's work in the hay is considering exemptions for automakers. This is like giving a Ginseng farmer a discount on fertilizer – potentially beneficial but only if applied correctly. Remember identity theft is not a joke Jim! Millions of families suffer every year! But potentially saving the auto industry… that’s a good start.

The China Connection: Fentanyl and Finances!

The Financial Times a publication I only read when Michael forces me to (to prove I'm 'worldly') reports these exemptions are tied to tariffs on imports from China. China! Home of…well lots of things some of which are probably made of beets. Apparently Trump wants to counter fentanyl production (good!) and also the levies on steel and aluminum (hmm potentially good?). This is a complex web like trying to untangle the wires behind Michael's desk. One wrong move and you could end up electrocuted or worse forced to listen to another one of his 'jokes'.

A Mayday Situation for May 3rd!

These exemptions are separate from the 25% tariffs on imported vehicles and auto parts scheduled for May 3rd. May 3rd! A date that will live in infamy…or at least until the next beet harvest. Automakers those pampered paper pushers have been lobbying Trump for relief. Lobbying! It's almost as insidious as Jim tricking me into thinking I have a twin. But I digress. Relief could be coming! This is better than finding a golden ticket in a Schrute Farms beet…almost.

Stocks Go Up? Bears. Beets. Battlestar Galactica

Shares of automakers and suppliers went up slightly after hours. Marginally higher? That's like saying Michael Scott is 'slightly' incompetent. But hey progress is progress. Even a broken clock is right twice a day and even Michael manages to sell paper…occasionally. Remember always check for hidden cameras and microphones before celebrating. You never know what that Halpert is up to.

The Auto Industry Colludes! Or…Unites?

Six of the top auto policy groups shockingly joined forces to lobby against these tariffs. Six! That’s almost as many people as I can fit in my beet truck (with some strategic stacking). They sent a letter to Trump practically begging for mercy. These groups – representing franchised dealers suppliers and almost all major automakers – claim the tariffs could jeopardize U.S. automotive production. Jeopardize! That's a strong word almost as strong as my grip when I'm defending my stapler.

Clarity? Consistency? Bah! Beet Farming!

General Motors CEO Mary Barra a woman who clearly needs to spend more time on a beet farm wants “clarity and consistency.” Clarity! Consistency! These are fine qualities but what about grit? What about determination? What about the unwavering pursuit of beet related excellence? She says GM has made some shifts due to trade policy but no “significant changes” until there's clarity. This is like saying you'll only harvest beets when the weather is perfect. Nonsense! A true beet farmer perseveres regardless of clarity or consistency. Now if you’ll excuse me I have some beets to attend to. And maybe some karate practice. You never know when you might need to defend yourself against a rogue tariff.