Trump Didn't Pause Tariffs On Cars And Parts
President Trump’s 90-day tariff pause does not include the 25% tariff on imported automobiles and car parts. While tariffs on a range of goods were adjusted, automotive tariffs—specifically on vehicles and components—remain intact.
Key Points
- The 90-day tariff pause does not apply to the 25% tariff on imported automobiles and car parts
- The continuation of automotive tariffs puts a strain on complex international supply chains
- Industry leaders hope for future negotiations to address these concerns.
Despite the pause on most reciprocal tariffs, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that sector-specific tariffs, including those on imported autos and auto parts, would continue. This means that vehicles coming from non-USMCA-compliant countries still face tariffs of up to 25%. Some automakers are crudely adjusting import plans in hopes that the tariffs go away before U.S. dealer inventory runs low.
The impact of these tariffs on U.S. automakers, like Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, remains unclear, especially as questions remain about which vehicles and parts would be considered compliant under the terms of the USMCA trade agreement. Stellantis announced it would be idling several plants in the interim, while GM will relocate some of its full-size pickup production to Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Ford is offering discounts to shoppers.
Automakers remain hopeful that negotiations will prod the Trump administration to revise its stance on the automotive tariffs shortly.
Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.
An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
More by Michael Accardi
Comments
Join the conversation
Thank you. This story highlights the fact that even before President Trump's new tariffs, the US already had tariffs on vehicles and their parts. If you listen to the media hysteria, you'd think we had no tariffs before Trump was sworn in in January.