Auto manufacturing — a staple of the Michigan economy for generations — represents one of the industries most vulnerable to international competition during U.S.-imposed tariffs, experts say.

Facing supply chain chaos and higher costs for consumers, Michigan auto leaders convinced President Donald Trump to give them a temporary exemption to 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico.

United States tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports took effect on Tuesday. The levies, set at 25 percent by US President Donald Trump, have been followed by the doubling of duties on Chinese goods to 20 percent.