Why Is Mazda Stopping Some CX-50 Exports?
Mazda has confirmed it will stop exporting the U.S.-built CX-50 SUV to Canada starting May 12, citing mounting pressure from newly imposed tariffs by the Trump administration.
Key Points
- Starting May 12, Mazda will temporarily stop shipping its U.S.-built CX-50 SUV to Canada due to new tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.
- The decision follows a 25% tariff on imported vehicles and parts, with Canada enacting retaliatory duties. The CX-50 represents about 15% of Mazda’s Canadian sales.
- Other automakers are also reacting—Nissan has paused U.S. orders for Mexico-built SUVs, and Honda is moving Civic hybrid production to the U.S. as the industry braces for broader cost impacts.
The CX-50 is manufactured at Mazda's Alabama plant and has been a key model for the brand in Canada, accounting for about 15 percent of Mazda’s 72,000 vehicle sales in the country last year. Production of the CX-50 will continue for all other markets outside Canada.
According to Automotive News, the decision comes in response to a 25% tariff on imported vehicles and parts announced by President Donald Trump in late March, which took effect on April 3. A second round of tariffs targeting parts is scheduled to begin in May. Canada has implemented its own retaliatory measures in response.
The Corolla Cross is built in the same facility as the Mazda CX-50, but Toyota has not indicated any changes to the production or export schedule for the compact crossover.
Analysts estimate the levies could raise U.S. passenger car prices by more than 14 percent. While some automakers are opting to hold the line for now—Toyota has announced no immediate changes—others are adjusting their production strategies. Nissan has suspended U.S. orders for SUVs assembled in Mexico, and Honda has confirmed it will shift production of the Civic hybrid from Japan to its U.S. facilities.
Mazda has not indicated how long the CX-50 export pause will last or what long-term adjustments may follow.
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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.
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