AAPC Statement Following Today's National Economic Council and Department of Commerce Semiconductor Discussions

Washington, D.C. – Governor Matt Blunt, president of the American Automotive Policy Council, issued the following statement after AAPC and senior member company officials met with Biden administration officials and other semiconductor supply chain stakeholders:

"We appreciate the opportunity to share American Automakers’ perspectives on the ongoing semiconductor shortage and the urgent need for improved transparency and predictability within our supply chains. No other U.S. industry has been as severely impacted by the shortage as autos. As a result of the shortage – production at most U.S. auto plants has been idled at some point in 2021, causing disruption for tens-of-thousands of autoworkers. Last week IHS reduced the global production forecast again, signaling even more production losses in the U.S.

“The White House and Commerce Secretary Raimondo have been active and engaged on the crisis since the early days of the new administration. We have appreciated their assistance in addressing supply chain issues around the world – most recently in Southeast Asia, which produces semiconductors and other components we need to build cars here in America. We are hopeful that the creation of a new early warning system will help us more quickly and effectively identify COVID-related slowdowns within the semiconductor supply chain, particularly in regions where the Delta variant continues to hobble production at key semiconductor facilities.

“We also fully support the Biden administration’s efforts to improve cooperation and transparency between the auto industry and our counterparts in the semiconductor and tech sectors. We believe today’s discussion was an important step, especially given the emphasis that administration officials placed on the need for more timely and accurate information sharing throughout our respective supply chains. Greater transparency among the auto and semiconductor sectors would improve our ability to adjust planning and production processes to minimize the impact on our industry and employees. However, to be effective, any transparency effort must include all elements of the supply chain. The administration’s support and leadership will be vital to making that happen.”

The American Automotive Policy Council (AAPC) represents American Automakers Ford Motor Company, General Motors Company and Stellantis. AAPC is a Washington, D.C. association representing the common public policy interests of its member companies.

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AAPC Statement Following Today's NEC-DoC Semiconductor Discussions_0.pdf