Recent statistics on vehicle imports to the United States paint a concerning picture. The slump in numbers has a direct correlation with the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on imported cars. This decrease in incoming vehicles could prompt a supply crunch in the new car market and escalate the rates of pre-owned cars. Is this a transient issue till car manufacturers strategize production shift to the U.S.? Probably, but till then, manufacturers and importers are anticipating some relaxation in the export-import policies of the White House.
It’s estimated that the tariffs could elevate car costs by up to $6,000. Leaders in the automobile industry are seeking discussions with the President to address this issue. There was a noticeable disparity in the number of imported cars in May, with more than half lesser than the usual. Numerous manufacturers, although manufacturing some cars domestically, prefer foreign lands for the construction of specific models, especially Electric Vehicles (EVs).
This deceleration in imports will undeniably affect customer choices and dealership stock levels. The information, as derived from Descartes Datamyne’s research, excludes import figures from Canada and Mexico. Instead, the focus lies on both eastern and western U.S. ports responsible for tracking Asia and Europe’s shipments.
Compared to the previous year’s records in the same month, import volumes for cars, trucks, and SUVs saw a staggering 72.3% reduction in May. This means there were 9,380 fewer vehicles at U.S. ports in just a single month. However, the brunt of the tariffs isn’t exclusive to the vehicles alone; the necessary vehicle-building parts and accessories are equally affected.
The import of accessories and parts dipped by 15% in May 2025, comparing to the figures of 89,910.08 from 2024 to an all-time low of 76,591.16 TEU. Contrastingly, interestingly enough, the import figures of vehicle bodies and cabs remain unaffected, suggesting that they haven’t been under the same tariff measures.
Automakers’ next step remains unclear, but the shared sentiment in the automobile industry suggests a longing for clarity from the White House’s end. Sure, shifting manufacturing to the U.S. sounds like a reasonable solution, but it isn’t as easy to implement. Complicated matters such as tariffs on vehicle-building parts used for locally built vehicles are still in need of guidance.
In May, over 9,000 imported vehicles were unaccounted for. The plunge in imports predominantly affects European and Asian automakers who engage in sizable overseas production. For instance, Mitsubishi fabricates all models in Japan, while companies like Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo are dependent on European manufacturing for their vehicle circulation.
Initially produced in China, the fundamental entry-level EV – EX30 had relocated its production to Belgium to lessen the tariff effect on Chinese-made vehicles. The situation has grown more precarious due to the new import tariffs, negatively impacting EX30’s reach in the U.S. market.
American automakers have an edge in such circumstances as they can relatively easily switch production to the U.S. Nonetheless, it’s indeed a challenging phase for all players in the auto industry, and what follows remains uncertain.