Daikin

Issue

Changes to the Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum and copper cut into Daikin’s ability to bring components and products from its plants in Mexico and Asia into the Daikin Texas Technology Park, its main U.S. manufacturing campus. With summer cooling season approaching, the tariffs threatened to raise air conditioner and heat pump prices and strain supply. Daikin is the world’s largest HVAC manufacturer, and it needed tariff relief.

Process

Navigators built a targeted campaign aimed at both the White House and Congress. We secured a meeting for Daikin with the Deputy Policy Director in the Office of the Vice President, then delivered the follow-up memo OVP requested on consumer costs, supply chain impacts and policy solutions. We also brought the issue to the offices of Senators and Representatives, tying it in each case to Daikin’s jobs and facilities in their states and districts.

Results

• Secured Section 232 tariff relief that Daikin expects to save tens of millions of dollars every year.
• Gave Daikin a direct line to senior White House policy staff and key congressional allies. That network is now being used for Daikin’s next trade priorities.