ผู้ผลิตรถบัสและรถโค้ช OEM ของจีน
The U.S. government recently confirmed its decision to impose a 25% tariff on all cars and trucks produced partially or fully outside the United States, effective April 3. Additionally, tariffs on imported automotive parts manufactured overseas will take effect starting May 3.
01 U.S. Tariffs Shake Up Global Automakers
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), owned by India’s Tata Motors Group and headquartered in the UK, has temporarily halted shipments to the U.S. due to the tariffs. Reuters reported that JLR stated: “We are taking short-term actions, including pausing shipments in April, while developing medium- to long-term plans.” This move aligns with global automakers’ responses to the tariff threats. Following the April 3 implementation of the 25% import tariffs, multiple automakers adopted measures such as price adjustments, production halts, and strategic inventory management.
Nissan is considering shifting some production of U.S.-bound vehicles from its Japanese plants to the U.S., with plans to reduce output at its Kyushu factory as early as summer 2024. Bloomberg reported that European automakers, including Volkswagen, are preparing to raise prices—such as adding an “import fee” to U.S.-bound vehicles—and expanding local production in the U.S. to circumvent tariffs. Swedish brand Volvo and German Mercedes-Benz are also exploring similar strategies. Italy’s Ferrari announced plans to increase prices by 10% for select models in the U.S. Meanwhile, U.S. factories operated by Stellantis, including plants in Michigan and Indiana, have begun layoffs, with 900 employees affected, and production suspended at Canadian and Mexican assembly plants.
Market research firm PYMNTS noted, “No vertical industry will emerge unscathed from the latest U.S. tariffs, but the automotive sector will face the most severe blow.” Beyond automakers, U.S. consumers are grappling with the tariff’s impact. While some dealers reported increased foot traffic as buyers rush to purchase vehicles before price hikes, others observed declining inquiries and pessimism about future demand. Senator Ted Cruz warned that after existing inventory depletes in June, U.S. car prices could surge by an average of $4,500 per vehicle, affecting both imported and domestic models.
Starting May 3, tariffs will also apply to imported auto parts, such as engines and transmissions, raising costs for U.S.-assembled vehicles and repairs. Most U.S. cars rely on foreign-made components, which account for over half of vehicle production costs. Analysts predict that even used car prices will rise as consumers shift demand, leading to higher insurance costs.
02 Limited Impact on China’s Vehicle Exports
The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAMM) condemned the U.S. tariffs as unilateralist and contrary to WTO rules, warning that they disrupt global supply chains, inflate vehicle prices globally, and hinder economic recovery. CAAMM urged the U.S. to correct its policies through dialogue and collaboration.
However, the tariffs pose minimal direct impact on China’s auto exports. Official data shows that China exported only 116,000 vehicles to the U.S. in 2024, accounting for just 1.81% of total exports. Huatai Securities noted that the 25% tariff primarily affects revenue and profits of top Japanese, South Korean, and German automakers, while Chinese firms may gain traction in Europe and Southeast Asia.
Mr. Cui Dongshu, Secretary-General of the China Passenger Car Association, emphasized that China’s auto exports to the U.S. are negligible, particularly for domestic brands, which have no presence in the U.S. market. He added that under the “reciprocal tariffs,” Chinese automakers should focus on expanding globally, prioritizing small electric vehicles and leveraging advantages in fuel-efficient technologies for differentiated competition in overseas markets.
Key Takeaways:
• U.S. tariffs disrupt global automakers, prompting production shifts, price hikes, and layoffs.
• Chinese automakers face limited direct impact due to minimal exports to the U.S., but opportunities arise in other regions.
• Strategic localization and product differentiation are critical for Chinese firms to capitalize on market shifts.
