The U.S. Congress released an analysis of exports and tariffs in the automotive industry from the main trading partners to the U.S. market.

This analysis highlights the dynamism of Mexico and South Korea in automotive vehicle sales to the United States in the last five years.

The products covered comprise the product categories listed in Proclamation 10908 of March 26, 2025. 

Exports and tariffs

In 2024, the United States imported 8.1 million vehicles ($248.8 billion), primarily from Mexico, the 27-member European Union (EU), Japan, South Korea, and Canada. 

In 2024, these five partners together contributed 94% of U.S. vehicle imports by value and 96% by quantity. 

Here are the top suppliers of U.S.-referred vehicles, in millions of dollars and their percentage change compared to 2019:

• Mexico: 78,700 (+118 percent).
• European Union: 45,400 (+40.1 percent).
• Japan: 40,000 (+6.7 percent).
• South Korea: 37,400 (+135.2 percent).
• Canada: 32,400 (-13.6 percent).

Section 232

During his first term, U.S. President Donald Trump did not apply tariffs to automotive products, although in 2019 he ordered the U.S. Trade Representation (USTR) to negotiate with partners such as Japan and the European Union. 

In March 2025, Trump proclaimed that those negotiations failed to reach agreements under Section 232 and that national security concerns have intensified. He noted that only half of the cars sold in the United States are made locally and that the country’s share of global production remains stagnant.

Therefore, he enacted tariffs of 25% on vehicle imports from April 3, 2025, with exemptions under the USMCA, and a similar tariff on certain auto parts from May 3, also with exemptions. 

In addition, a mechanism will be established to extend the scope of the tariffs over the next 90 days. These measures are in addition to other tariffs, except for the 10% and country-specific tariffs announced on April 2, which are currently suspended.