Indian auto component exports at risk amid UAW Strike in the US

  • Industry News
  • Sep 20,23
Approximately one-third of India's automotive component exports are destined for North America, and this strike by thousands of UAW members, known as a 'stand-up strike,' is impacting the US auto majors.
Indian auto component exports at risk amid UAW Strike in the US

The strike called by the United Auto Workers (UAW), the American automotive workers' union, against the Big Three automakers (Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis) in Detroit, USA, is causing concerns for automotive component manufacturing hubs in India.

Approximately one-third of India's automotive component exports are destined for North America, and this strike by thousands of UAW members, known as a 'stand-up strike,' is impacting the US auto majors. They have initiated walkouts at one factory for each of these automakers in the United States and plan to expand their protests to multiple locations.

Negotiations are currently underway between the union and the automakers to address the workers' demands for a wage increase.

This strike marks the first time that the UAW has simultaneously targeted all three major automakers, resulting in factory shutdowns in states such as Michigan, Ohio, and Missouri.

In the fiscal year 2023, exports to North America accounted for 30% of the Indian auto ancillary sector's export revenue, totalling $6.5 billion, making it the largest market for India.

Tier-1 suppliers serving North America, including companies like Sona Comstar, Sundaram Fasteners, Bharat Forge, and Motherson Group, could face adverse effects if the strike continues.

In 2019, the UAW's protests against General Motors saw 49,000 workers from 50 factories across the US going on strike, which lasted for over 40 days. This time, industry experts anticipate a faster resolution, as political intervention is likely in an election year to facilitate negotiations.

On the third day of the strike, which began on September 15, 2023, Sona Comstar, a leading supplier of critical electric vehicle components and automotive systems to original equipment manufacturers worldwide, informed Indian stock exchanges that it is closely monitoring the situation. They mentioned that while the strike's current impact on their sales is minimal, a more significant impact could occur if the strike persists or spreads to other plants.

Approximately 45% of Sona Comstar's revenues come from the US, with 20% of its export volumes originating from the Big Three in North America, excluding Mexico.

Other companies with exposure to the Big Three OEMs among the listed large auto ancillaries, such as Sona BLW and Sundaram Fasteners, are also closely monitoring the situation. Sundaram Fasteners' exposure to the three US companies is around 10%, while for Samvardhana Motherson International, it is 3-4%, according to informed sources.

Vinnie Mehta, Director General of the Automotive Components' Manufacturers' Association, highlighted the significance of the North American market for Indian auto components exports and expressed hope that the issues would be resolved in the mutual interest of both workers and the industry.

Source: Mint

Related Stories

Auto & Auto Components
JSW Group enters JV with SAIC Motor for EV manufacturing in India

JSW Group enters JV with SAIC Motor for EV manufacturing in India

The newly established entity, in which JSW Group will hold a 35% stake. The remaining ownership distribution is yet to be finalised.

Read more
Fabrication
ForgeTech India fosters success with innovation, collaboration within forging industry

ForgeTech India fosters success with innovation, collaboration within forging industry

The Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI) successfully concluded ForgeTech India 2023, the country's premier forging industry conference and exhibition, on November 5, 2023.

Read more
Auto & Auto Components
TN set to attract Rs 50,000 cr investments, generate 150,000 jobs in EV sector by 2025

TN set to attract Rs 50,000 cr investments, generate 150,000 jobs in EV sector by 2025

Prominent EV companies contributing to the significant production in Tamil Nadu include Ola Electric, TVS Motor, Ather in Krishnagiri, Ampere Vehicles in Ranipet, BYD India in Kancheepuram, Stellant..

Read more

Related Products

Tata Motors unveils facilities for development of Hydrogen propulsion tech

AUTO COMPONENTS & ACCESSORIES

Tata Motors, India?s largest automobile company, unveiled two state-of-the-art & new-age R&D facilities for meeting its mission of offering sustainable mobility solutions. The unveilings constitute of Read more

Request a Quote

Tata Motors plans petrol powertrain for Harrier and Safari SUVs

AUTO COMPONENTS & ACCESSORIES

Tata Motors is in the process of developing a new petrol powertrain for its premium sports utility vehicles, the Harrier and Safari, as confirmed by a senior company official. Currently, these models Read more

Request a Quote

Electric Vehicle Charger

AUTO COMPONENTS & ACCESSORIES

RRT Electro is engaged in manufacturing of customized Power Electronic Products over two decades having capability to Design, Develop, Prototyping, Regulatory Compliance testing & Certification, Manuf Read more

Request a Quote

Hi There!

Now get regular updates from IPF Magazine on WhatsApp!

Click on link below, message us with a simple hi, and SAVE our number

You will have subscribed to our Industrial News on Whatsapp! Enjoy

+91 84228 74016

Reach out to us

Call us at +91 8108603000 or

Schedule a Call Back