Trump Announces 25% Auto Tariffs on Imported Cars to Boost US Manufacturing

According to a latest Bloomberg report, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a 25% tariff on all non-U.S. manufactured cars. This is a move to boost American manufacturing with cars built in the U.S. being exempt. This is part of his larger plan to adjust trade relations, with more tariffs set to roll out on April 2, dubbed “liberation day.”

“What we’re going to be doing is a 25 per cent tariff on all cars that are not made in the United States. This will be permanent,” Trump said from the Oval Office. “We start off with a 2.5 per cent base, which is what we’re at, and go to 25 per cent.”

Notably, the tariff will be applied on top of the existing 2.5% car tariff. Additionally, if parts are produced in the U.S. but the vehicle is not, those parts will be exempt from the tariff. On Wednesday, the White House confirmed that the tariffs will take effect on April 2, with collection beginning on April 3.

The White House announced that the tariff would apply to fully assembled cars and essential auto components, such as engines, transmissions, powertrain parts, and electrical components. The list may grow over time to include more items.

“We’re going to charge countries for doing business in our country and taking our jobs, taking our wealth, taking a lot of things that they’ve been taking over the years,” he added. 

Tariff Exempts USMCA Compliant Auto Parts

The tariff currently exempts automotive parts that comply with the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which allows mostly duty-free trade between the U.S. and its two largest trading partners.

Trump argues the tariffs will boost U.S. manufacturing and eliminate the “ridiculous” supply chain involving the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.” Trump emphasized that the 25% tariff would simplify the process and help reduce U.S. debt significantly. He described the tariff as both a tax reduction and a way to improve the country’s financial balance sheet in the near future.

In February, Trump hinted at upcoming auto tariffs, and by Monday, he confirmed they would be implemented soon. He also suggested that some reciprocal tariffs might be less severe than expected, saying they could even be lower than those other countries have imposed for years.

Howver, the decision has sparked concerns about market volatility. Interestingly, he clarified that Elon Musk did not have a role in advising on this auto tariff policy, despite earlier comments suggesting that tariffs could be “net neutral or maybe good for Tesla.”

Foreign Leaders Criticise The Tariffs

Foreign leaders quickly criticized the tariffs, signaling that Trump may be escalating a global trade war that could harm worldwide growth.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the move as “bad for businesses, worse for consumers, Canada’s new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, criticized the U.S. trade move, vowing to defend Canadian workers and companies. Last year, Canada exported nearly C$50 billion in vehicles to the U.S., making autos a major export. 

Tariffs May Drive Up Car Prices, Impact Sales and Jobs

Ahead of Trump’s announcement, shares of U.S.-listed automakers dropped due to concerns that tariffs could disrupt the global auto industry. The new levies are expected to raise car prices for consumers, potentially reducing sales and causing job losses. The U.S. auto industry depends on imported parts, and experts warn that these tariffs could make cars more expensive, limit choices for consumers, and result in fewer manufacturing jobs.

If the full cost of the new 25% auto tariff is passed onto consumers, the price of an imported vehicle could rise by $12,500, potentially contributing to overall inflation. Trump was voted back into the White House last year because voters believed he could bring down prices.

The auto tariffs are part of Trump’s broader plan to reshape global trade, with “reciprocal” taxes set to be imposed on April 2, matching tariffs and sales taxes charged by other countries.