Re-Engineering for Resilience: Adapting to Tariffs in US Automotive and Aerospace Industries

The potential imposition of 25% tariffs on Canadian raw materials in 2025 presents a significant challenge to US automotive and aerospace industries1. These sectors rely on specific raw materials and finished products sourced from Canada2,3,5, tariffs could disrupt supply chains and increase costs5. However, a proactive approach involves re-engineering existing products to utilize different, readily available materials. This is where systems engineers play a crucial role, designing innovative solutions to maintain performance and mitigate the impact of the tariffs on the economy and on the people of the United States. Systems engineers are uniquely positioned to tackle this challenge. Their expertise in design, analysis, and optimization allows them to evaluate existing products8, identify materials vulnerable to tariffs, and develop alternative material strategies.