The rates on imported vehicles entered into force on Thursday, a policy that President Trump has declared to stimulate investments and jobs in the United States, but that analysts claim that they will increase new cars of thousands of dollars.
The duty of 25 percent applies to all cars assembled outside the United States. Starting from May 3, the rate will also apply to the imported cars, which will be added to the cost of cars assembled at national and automatic level.
There will be a partial exemption for cars made in Mexico or Canada that meet the terms of free trade agreements with these countries. The car manufacturers will not have to pay duties on parts such as engines, transmissions or batteries that have been made in the United States and subsequently installed by car in Mexican or Canadian factories.
This provision will reduce the impact on vehicles such as the Equinox Chevrolet electric vehicle, which is assembled in Mexico but includes a battery pack and other components made in the United States. General Motors will pay a rate only on the part of the car made abroad.
At the same time, the duty on the parties will increase the cost of cars made in Michigan, Tennessee, Ohio or other states. This is because most of the cars that will come out of the US factories contain components made abroad, often equal to more than half the cost of the vehicle.
About 90 percent of the value of some Mercedes-Benz cars made in Alabama, for example, it is in the engines and transmissions imported from Europe, according to the data compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The impact of rates on individual vehicles will vary widely. Cars like the Tesla Model Y, produced in Texas and California, or Honda passport, made of Alabama, have high percentages of US manufacturing parts and will pay lower rates.
The rates will be higher on cars produced abroad, such as the Toyota Prius produced in Japan or Porsche sports cars made in Germany.
Even people who do not buy new cars will be affected by rates because they will pay more for parts such as tires, pads and oil filters.
Michael Holmes, chief manager of Virginia Tire and Cars, a chain of repair and car maintenance stores, said that he and his suppliers would initially try to absorb most of the increased costs.
“It’s not sustainable,” said Holmes. “It is a magical thought to think that companies do not transmit it.”
Auto rates could also increase the prices of used cars over time, analysts have said, increasing the demand for those vehicles since new ones become inaccessible for many buyers. Insurance premiums can also increase because repairs will cost more.