‘I need to speak out’: Arlington mayor worries tariffs could endanger thousands of jobs
The mayor of Arlington is speaking out against tariffs, saying he worries about the implications for one of Tarrant County’s largest employers: GM’s Arlington Assembly plant.
Mayor Jim Ross and San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg co-wrote a letter to U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn of Texas, asking both lawmakers to oppose new tariffs. Ross said Wednesday he has not yet heard from either senator.
GM’s Arlington Assembly plant employs about 5,200 people. The 6 million-square-foot facility is a major industrial taxpayer, too.
Opened in 1954, the plant celebrated production of its 13 millionth vehicle in July. Six models of internal combustion engine SUVs are assembled at the plant, including the Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon.
The Arlington plant exports vehicles to more than 30 countries, according to GM. Deliveries of the Tahoe and Yukon to consumers in China are expected to start this month.
Ross said he has spoken with local GM representatives, who he said are “prepared as one could be” to deal with the changing tariff landscape. He said it’s still too early to determine the extent of the impact tariffs could have.
Car prices could rise as much as 25%
On Wednesday, the day after tariffs began on imports from Mexico and Canada, the Trump administration announced a one-month pause for automakers. The move came after Trump spoke with leaders of Ford, General Motors and Stellantis.
Automotive industry experts predicted tariffs could raise prices for vehicles by as much as 25%. Some analysts suggested tariffs could render Ford, GM and Stellantis’ North American-centered businesses unprofitable.
This week, tariffs on Chinese imports were raised to 20% from the 10% duties imposed in February. China has issued retaliatory tariffs on some American goods, a move Canada and Mexico are also expected to make.
U.S. automakers make over 1.6 million automobiles in Mexico, according to the Council on Foreign Relations. GM exported about 712,000 vehicles, roughly 85% of its Mexican output, to the U.S. from Mexico in 2024.
Automotive components like instrument panels and engines are also manufactured across North America. Parts often cross international borders multiple times before a vehicle is complete.
‘I need to speak out’
Arlington’s mayor said business owners are fearful of the uncertainties tariffs have created. He stressed that his opposition to tariffs isn’t political, but stems from his worries about the future of the local economy.
“I want to stay in my lane as a mayor,” Ross said, “and take care of my community, and not get involved in national politics. But taking care of my community means I need to speak out if the tariffs are going to be harmful to the people who live and work here in Arlington, Texas.”
Ross said “dire outlooks” among some economic experts have made him skeptical that tariffs will have any positive impacts.
“I hope I’m dead wrong on this. I hope the president has it all right, and that him implementing these tariffs is going to do some wonderful things for the country. I hope that’s what happens,” Ross said.
Ross said citizens should educate themselves on tariffs’ potential effects.
“I think everybody has to do their homework,” Ross said. “Ultimately, I think tariffs are not paid by Mexico, or Canada, or China. They’re paid by the consumer.”
