Will the new automatic tariffs affect imported classic cars?

You probably know now On April 3, 2025, the White House imposed a 25% tariff on vehicles imported into the United States, and tariffs on imported parts have been escalated since May 3. If you are planning to buy a new car or parts to handle your old-fashioned Jaguar project, that’s bad news. The good news is that if you want to import vehicles over 25, you should not be priced up.

Although aimed at inspiring domestic vehicle and parts production, these tariffs have led to confusion and concern. According to Hagerty, it was initially unclear whether tariffs on imported cars were unilateral, regardless of the age of the vehicle. An update was subsequently made that vehicles will not be subject to 25% tariff restrictions “at least 25 years before the entry date”. This means that the euro market you are focusing on is still accessible to the Porsche 911. However, except for pickup trucks, the value of the vehicle is 2.5% of the value of the vehicle is 25% (also known as the “chicken tax”).

There is another potential silver lining here due to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 2020. The White House website notes, “For cars that are eligible for priority tariff treatment under the USMCA, progressives in such cars may submit documents to the Secretary (Commishing of Commise) to identify each model. The percentage of U.S. parts will not be affected by 25% tariffs, but the foreign/import balance will be.

Unfortunately, other tariffs can also raise prices. In the next week, all countries will be charged with 10% tariffs, part of a “rebalancing global trade flows”; some countries will also face personal reciprocity tariffs. The United States imposes a 24% mutual tariff on all products in Japan. “If you arrive from Japan on or after April 5, but by April 9, your vehicle may be 10% liable. This means 2.5% plus 10% conventional cars, totaling 12.5%. If you are importing Kei trucks, you still need to pay 25% of the goods, if you may pay 25% of the goods, if you can pay 35% of the goods, you can pay 35% of the tax. Time, your total responsibilities may increase to 26.5% or 49% respectively.”

Many changes have occurred in the automotive industry in a short period of time and are more likely to happen. Have these tariffs affected your current or planned purchases? Tell us in the comments section below.