Tariffs Could Give Tesla and Musk a Leg Up on Rivals
While Tesla isn’t immune to President Trump’s new 25% tariffs on imported cars and parts, it could emerge in a stronger position than competitors. Unlike GM, Ford, and foreign automakers, Tesla builds all its U.S.-sold vehicles domestically—avoiding the steepest tariffs on finished cars. However, its costs will still rise due to duties on imported components like batteries and motors. Tesla’s Competitive Edge Tesla’s Model Y and Model 3, America’s top-selling EVs, could gain an advantage over rivals like GM’s Chevrolet Equinox EV and Ford’s Mustang Mach-E, which are assembled in Mexico and rely more on imported parts. The tariffs may widen Tesla’s lead in the EV market, where it’s been losing share to cheaper alternatives. Industry-Wide Pain Higher Prices: Analysts warn tariffs could add $75B annually to automakers’ costs, pushing car prices up by thousands of dollars—hitting budget models like the Chevrolet Trax (made in South Korea) hardest. Supply Chain Chaos: […]