Tesla, the big winner of the new American taxes?

Elon Musk insists that tariffs impacting his friend Donald Trump affect Tesla, but the reality is quite different.

On April 29, 2025, the U.S. government revised its auto tariff policy, with significant repercussions for the electric vehicle (EV) market. These adjustments, analyzed by the Cambridge-based organization IDTechEx, would particularly favor Tesla.

Until now, imported cars in the United States faced a 25% surcharge, also impacting certain components. Now, vehicles assembled in the U.S. can contain up to 15% of non-USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) components without incurring additional taxes, a limit that will be reduced to 10% in 2026 before being eliminated in 2027. This measure encourages manufacturers to localize their production within the United States.

Thanks to its well-integrated North American supply chain and local assembly, Tesla fully benefits from these changes. Indeed, all their models, composed of at least 85% of parts from the United States, Mexico, or Canada, are now nearly exempt from customs duties. According to IDTechEx, this could save the California-based brand approximately $2.5 billion.

Tesla enjoys a special status

Data from the first quarter of 2025 confirm a positive trend for EVs in the United States, with a 19% increase in sales of 100% electric vehicles (BEV) compared to the previous year. This rebound occurs despite ongoing price uncertainties, exacerbated by the possible elimination of the $7,500 federal tax credit.

While Tesla emerges as a direct beneficiary, other automakers will need to adapt quickly to take advantage of the new rules. The window of time allotted to reduce the proportion of non-USMCA components will enable these manufacturers to optimize their production.

In conclusion, these tariff adjustments mark a turning point in the American strategy to boost domestic manufacturing while supporting the transition to sustainable mobility solutions. Honestly, it is only natural and logical that Tesla, a pioneer in EVs and a major player in the American auto industry, benefits from advantages in this rapidly transforming market. Only Elon Musk truly believes otherwise…

ALSO READ: Would Tesla make the biggest mistake in its history with low-cost Model Y and 3?