Georgia has become a manufacturing powerhouse for international automakers in the United States. The industry supports tens of thousands of jobs and contributes more than a billion dollars to the state’s economy.
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement plays a key role in supporting U.S. automotive manufacturing, particularly in states like Georgia where international automakers continue to invest and expand operations.
The agreement has been an important policy over the past six years that has provided clear rules for manufacturers and suppliers, helping the entire industry succeed.
As the agreement approaches its six-year review, policymakers have an opportunity to reaffirm its importance and ensure it continues to support American workers and economic growth.
Why stable relationships matter to manufacturers
Credit: Mike Stog Photography
Credit: Mike Stog Photography
International automakers have invested $3.1 billion into Georgia, supporting a manufacturing base that produced 352,100 vehicles in 2024 — representing 100% of Georgia’s auto production.
These facilities are part of a broader North American production network that relies on strong supplier relationships and coordinated supply chains.
The industry’s impact reaches across the state’s workforce. International automakers and their dealer networks support nearly 77,000 jobs across Georgia, including thousands of direct manufacturing jobs and many more throughout the broader economy.
Together, these careers generate $6 billion in employee compensation and strengthen communities across the state.
Stable trade relationships give manufacturers confidence to invest and expand. Automotive production decisions often take years to plan, and agreements like USMCA provide the certainty needed for long-term investment.
In Georgia, automakers also purchased $9 billion from U.S. suppliers, strengthening domestic supply chains and supporting manufacturing nationwide.
Here’s how much companies pay in state, local taxes
Credit: Ben Hendren
Credit: Ben Hendren
Georgia is also an increasingly important hub for vehicle exports. Models produced in the state — including the Hyundai IONIQ 5, Kia EV6, Kia Sportage, Kia Sorento, Kia Telluride and Kia EV9 — are exported to 11 countries and territories, and 31 vehicle models moved through the ports of Brunswick and Savannah in 2024.
These exports connect Georgia’s manufacturing facilities to global markets.
Consumer demand also highlights the industry’s strength: In 2024, 286,666 new vehicles were sold through international nameplate dealerships, accounting for 59% of all new vehicle sales in Georgia.
Electrified vehicles are also growing in popularity, with 67,098 EVs sold in the state in 2024, representing 67% of Georgia’s electrified vehicle market.
The broader economic benefits are significant. Economic activity generated by international automakers and their dealerships contributes $1.1 billion in state and local tax revenues, $1.5 billion in federal revenues and $10.5 billion to Georgia’s gross state product.
Each direct job created by an international automaker supports five additional jobs throughout the state’s economy, underscoring the industry’s far-reaching impact.
But tariffs have complicated trade talks
Credit: NYT
Credit: NYT
Recent discussions in Washington show bipartisan recognition of USMCA’s importance to American manufacturing.
At the same time, tariffs affecting North American partners have complicated the talks surrounding the agreement’s renewal.
By maintaining the USMCA as-is, policymakers can help ensure the United States maintains a strong manufacturing base, secure supply chains with trusted partners and reduced dependence on countries that do not follow the same trade rules.
USMCA has already strengthened North American competitiveness, supported American jobs and reinforced the United States’ position as a global leader in automotive manufacturing.
For Georgia’s workers and communities, preserving and improving this agreement will remain critical to sustaining investment, supporting jobs and maintaining the state’s role in the future of the auto industry.
Jennifer Safavian is president and CEO of Autos Drive America.
Send letters to the editor of 250 words or fewer with your name, city or town and contact information to letters@ajc.com.
About the Author
Keep Reading
The Latest
Featured
