Will Modern Supercars and Classics Take a Hit from the 2025 U.S. Import Tariffs?

*Tariff Update (April 10, 2025): What It Means for Classic and Luxury Vehicle Imports

As of now, President Trump’s 90-day pause on new tariffs does not apply to the existing 25% tariff on imported vehicles and auto parts, which remains in effect. This has created some uncertainty around the tariff classification for 25-year-old vehicles, which often fall into a distinct import category.

According to Glenn Stevens, Executive Director of MichAuto, the pause clearly excludes sector-specific tariffs such as those on automobiles, steel, and aluminum. For vehicles 25 years and older, the applicable tariff may vary depending on how U.S. Customs interprets the classification - typically between 2.5%, 12.5%, or 27.5%.

While some customs brokers and regional U.S. Customs offices are handling these vehicles differently, importers are actively working with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to ensure accurate assessment and compliance.

At Auto Icons, we continue to monitor developments closely and to provide our clients with the most accurate, transparent, and hassle-free import process for classic and luxury vehicles.

Dear Enthusiasts,

There’s a shake-up brewing in the automotive world, and if you’re the kind of person who believes cars are more than just transportation, you’ll want to pay attention. The White House just dropped a 25% tariff hammer on imported automobiles and select parts, and it’s going to ripple through everything from modern supercars to classic icons.

On March 26, 2025, President Trump signed a proclamation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, slapping a 25% tariff on imported passenger cars - everything from sedans to light trucks - and key components like engines, transmissions, and electrical systems. These tariffs hit new cars first on April 3, 2025, with parts following no later than May 3, 2025.

While the primary aim of these tariffs is to bolster domestic manufacturing, they encompass a wide range of vehicles, potentially including both modern supercars and classic cars imported into the U.S. This could result in increased costs for collectors and enthusiasts seeking to purchase or sell such vehicles across borders.​

Let’s be real - this isn’t just a policy change; it’s a shake-up for anyone passionate about driving something special. But here’s the good news: anything over 25 years old? Untouched. Classic cars remain safe for now, so there’s nothing to stress about in the short term. The real uncertainty lies with younger imports, especially nearly new cars, which could take the biggest hit. Ferrari has already bumped new car prices by 10%, and with a potential 25% hike on imports, the market is bracing for impact. While the collector car world has always found ways to adapt, those dealing in modern classics and fresh imports will have some navigating to do.

We understand that these developments may cause concern among our clients involved in the acquisition or sale of luxury vehicles. While the situation is still evolving, and formal exemptions for certain vehicle categories have not been confirmed, we remain optimistic that the market for rare and high-quality automobiles will continue to thrive.

The supercar market? Feeling the squeeze. The classic car world? Safe - for now. The new 25% tariff primarily targets brand-new imports from manufacturers, leaving classic cars (25 years and older) untouched for the foreseeable future. But for European exotics, JDM legends, and limited-run homologation specials that haven’t hit the 25-year mark, the waters are murkier. While the goal is to boost domestic manufacturing, history proves that true enthusiasts will always chase the best - whether it comes from Stuttgart, Maranello, or Osaka. For buyers and collectors, this means thinking carefully about where to source and place their cars in an evolving market.

We know this isn’t just about dollars and cents - it’s about passion. Whether you’re looking to bring a legendary piece of automotive history stateside or move one to an appreciative collector across the globe, we’re here to help you navigate the process. Our team is monitoring every development, and we’ll make sure you have the latest insights and guidance to keep your automotive dreams alive.

If you’ve got questions, let’s talk. This is just to keep you aware of what’s going on in the world but let’s not have this spoil our enjoyment of fine cars.

Stay driven,

Founder, Auto Icons