The sharp rise in demand for lithium is outpacing the growth of an independent US supply chain, Ian Rodger, chief executive officer of lithium development company US Elemental, told Fastmarkets in an exclusive interview on Wednesday June 3.

A United Auto Workers (UAW) strike at the American Axle factory in Three Rivers, Michigan, that began on Monday June 1 could lead to reduced demand for automotive steel if not resolved quickly, but analysts disagree on whether it will ultimately have a significant impact.

European automotive procurement faces growing complexity due to regional cost volatility and policy-driven supply chains reshaping material pricing and sourcing strategies. This demands granular, region-specific market intelligence for precise cost modeling and strategic decision-making.

USMCA-driven localization is strengthening automotive supply chains, improving resilience and reducing certain cost risks. But as production spans multiple stages across the US–Mexico corridor, OEMs need clearer visibility into how costs build across regions to maintain margin control.

Japanese auto producer Honda canceled plans to produce electric vehicles in North America amid weak demand and pressure from the US government, the company said during its earnings call for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026.

As CBAM and the EU ETS reshape cost structures across Europe’s automotive supply chains, OEMs are under growing pressure to protect margins while navigating opaque carbon pass-through.

US light vehicle production averaged 10M units per year in 2021 through 2025 with most years finishing above 10M units.

As US automotive OEMs localize supply chains and accelerate EV rollout, margin pressure is intensifying across steel, aluminium and battery inputs.

From ultra-fast charging and vertical integration to global expansion and shifting consumer expectations, Stella explains how BYD is redefining what it means to be a carmaker, positioning the vehicle as a technology hub rather than simply a mode of transport.

North American automotive OEMs are navigating one of the toughest cost pressures today: raw material volatility. As supply chains become more localized through USMCA, the IRA, and reshoring, manufacturers continue to face rising material price risks.