Honda & Supplier Developments

• Honda’s Production Plans: Honda has denied reports suggesting a shift of production from Canada and Mexico to the U.S. in response to new tariffs. The company affirmed that no production changes are currently being considered for their Canadian and Mexican operations. ​BNN+6New York Post+6Yahoo Finance+6
• Canadian Operations: Honda Canada confirmed that production will remain at full capacity, bolstered by a 9% increase in domestic sales during the first quarter of 2025. ​hondanews.ca
• Mexican Operations: Mexico’s Economy Minister stated that Honda has assured the government it has no intentions to alter its production operations in Mexico, countering reports of potential shifts due to U.S. tariffs. ​BNN+3Reuters+3New York Post+3

Regional Manufacturing Highlights

Central Region (Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky)

• Ohio Manufacturing Workforce: The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) released its 2025 Workforce Roadmap, outlining strategies to strengthen Ohio’s manufacturing talent pipeline. Initiatives include expanding the OMA-Endorsed Industry Sector Partnership Network and scaling programs to address entry-level workforce needs. ​The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association+1The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association+1
• Appalachian Ohio Manufacturers’ Coalition: Approximately 60 attendees gathered for the coalition’s Spring Quarterly Gathering in Marietta, Ohio, focusing on regional manufacturing collaboration and workforce development. ​mariettatimes.com

Southern Region (Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee)

• Alabama Manufacturing Recognition: Manufacture Alabama announced the finalists for its “Manufacturing Madness” competition, celebrating innovative products made in the state. The winner will be recognized in April. ​manufacturealabama.org+3Alabama Political Reporter+3The Business View+3
• Upcoming Industry Meeting: The Suppliers Partnership for the Environment will hold its 2nd Quarterly Membership Meeting of 2025 on April 25 at Mercedes Benz US International in Vance, Alabama, in collaboration with the Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association. ​supplierspartnership.org

Carolina Region (North & South Carolina)

• No significant updates specific to this region were identified for the week of April 7–13, 2025.​

International Trade & Tariff Updates

• Canada’s Tariff Relief: In response to U.S. tariffs, Canada announced selective relief from counter-tariffs on U.S. imports, particularly benefiting domestically-based automakers and manufacturers in specific sectors. Automakers maintaining local production and fulfilling planned investment commitments can avoid tariffs on a set quota of U.S.-assembled vehicles. ​Reuters+1BNN+1
• GM’s Production Adjustment: General Motors temporarily halted production at its CAMI Assembly plant in Ingersoll, Ontario, due to lower-than-expected demand and high inventory levels for its electric delivery vehicle, BrightDrop. The production halt will affect most of the spring and summer seasons, beginning in May, leading to the indefinite layoff of approximately 500 workers. ​AP News+1WSJ+1