Importing a Nissan Skyline GT-R in 2025: Navigating Tariff Changes

Bringing a Nissan Skyline GT-R into the U.S. has never been simple, but in 2025 the challenge isn’t just finding the right car in Japan — it’s keeping up with constant changes in import tariffs. For 25-year old GT-Rs, the duty rate has shifted multiple times this year, making cost planning more complicated than ever.

The Long-Standing Baseline

• Passenger vehicles (like the GT-R): 2.5% MFN duty, a rate that’s been in place since the 1930s and carried into the modern Harmonized Tariff Schedule in 1989.

• Trucks: 25% duty, the infamous “Chicken Tax” that’s been around since 1964.

For decades, Skyline importers only had to worry about the 2.5% base duty — predictable, easy to plan for.

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April 2025: Boost Spikes

In April 2025, Executive Order 14289 / Proclamation 10908 hit the gas:

• Passenger vehicles jumped from 2.5% → 25%

• Trucks went from 25% → 50%

At the same time, a special carve-out appeared for 25-year old vehicles — which conveniently includes most R32s, R33s, and early R34s. Under 9903.94.04, if your GT-R was subject to the 232 Auto tariff, you didn’t have to pay the additional 10% IEEPA reciprocal duty.

Between April and early June, that meant 25 year old GT-Rs landed at 2.5%, avoiding the reciprocal hit.

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June 4, 2025: Rules Rewrite

On June 4, 2025, CBP released new stacking guidance. The key twist:

• “Subject to” only counts when you actually pay more than 0%.

So if your GT-R qualified for the 25-year carve-out (and therefore paid 0% under 232 Auto), CBP said you weren’t really “subject to” it — which meant the 10% reciprocal duty kicked in anyway.

Reality check for Skyline importers:

• April–June 3: GT-Rs = 2.5% tariff, no reciprocal.

• June 4 onward: GT-Rs ≥25 years old = 2.5% base + 10% reciprocal = 12.5%.

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September 2025: Another Shift

Just when everyone thought they had it figured out, the rules changed again.

Effective September 15, 2025:

• Passenger vehicles from Japan, including the Skyline GT-R, now face a flat 15% tariff.

• Trucks from Japan remain at 50%.

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Why It Matters

If you’re importing a Nissan Skyline GT-R today, your duty bill depends not just on the model and year, but the exact date your entry was filed:

• April – June 3: GT-R = 2.5%

• June 4 – Sept 14: GT-R = 12.5%

• Sept 15 onward: GT-R = 15%

Even if you stay on top of every proclamation and CSMS update, the implementation and rollout has been inconsistent — leaving both the ports and importers scratching their heads, just trying to figure out what to pay.

Looking for a USA-legal Nissan Skyline?
Buy R32, R33, and R34 GT-Rs at Toprank Importers!
🔗 Start Here – GTRUSABlog Index
🛒 Skyline Parts & JDM Toys on Amazon
🚗 R34 GT-Rs for Sale
🌐 All Our Links
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1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 For Sale in Cypress, California

1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 For Sale in Cypress, California

1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R R34

Bayside blue TV2 color code

6-Speed Manual Transmission

RB26DETT Twin Turbo

MODS LIST

Nismo Speedometer Cluster

Nismo oil cap

Nismo radiator cap

Aftermarket intake

Impul power cover

Nismo LMGT4 Wheels

HKS rear and sideskirts

MAINTENANCE&SERVICE

Battery replaced

Toprank Importers specializes in bringing the thrill of Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) cars to US roads. We offer a wide selection of iconic vehicles, from the legendary Nissan Skyline to the classic Toyota Chaser, with a focus on models 25 years and older that are legal for import.

Our Services:

JDM Imports: We handle the complexities of importing vehicles from Japan and other countries, making the process smooth and hassle-free.

Show or Display Imports: We assist with importing vehicles that qualify for Show or Display exemptions.

Vehicle Sourcing: Can't find your dream car in our inventory? We can help you locate, purchase, and import the perfect vehicle, once it is legal Learn More

Featured Inventory:

View Our Cars

Financing:

Financing Available

Nationwide Shipping:

Available. Please contact us for details.

Contact Us:

Phone: 844-523-2233

Email: sales@importavehicle.com

Frequently Asked Questions:

FAQ

Important Information:

All vehicles are sold "As-Is" with no warranty.

Imported vehicles cannot be registered in California until they are brought into California compliance. California Compliance

Please check all local and state laws regarding vehicle titling and registration in your area.

25-year-old vehicles are exempt from Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) requirements.

Vehicles over 21 years old are exempt from EPA compliance requirements for importation.

JDM Import Eligibility:

Planning ahead is key! See which JDM vehicles will become import-legal in the coming years: JDM Cars Turning 25

Examples of Upcoming Import-Eligible Models:

Nissan Skyline R34 V-Spec II: August 2000 = August 2025

Nissan Silvia S15: January 1999 = January 2024

Mitsubishi Evolution VI: January 1999 = January 2024

Honda S2000 AP1: April 1999 = April 2024

Toyota MR-S: October 1999 = October 2024

Looking for a USA-legal Nissan Skyline?
Buy R32, R33, and R34 GT-Rs at Toprank Importers!
🔗 Start Here – GTRUSABlog Index
🛒 Skyline Parts & JDM Toys on Amazon
🚗 R34 GT-Rs for Sale
🌐 All Our Links
📘 Follow on Facebook
📸 Instagram – @toprank_ivi_sean_morris
📺 YouTube – Toprank Importers

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Nismo R34 CRS in KAD Gunmetal – Now Available in the U.S.

Nismo R34 GT-R CRS in Gunmetal for sale at Toprank Importers 

  

This isn’t just an R34 GT-R—this is Nismo Omori Factory’s ultimate street machine.

The Clubman Race Spec (CRS) program was developed by Nismo to refine the already legendary R34 GT-R, building upon decades of motorsports experience and GT-R legacy. Designed for street performance with track-capable reliability, the CRS bridges the gap between OEM excellence and tuned perfection.

Now available in the U.S., this Nismo R34 CRS is finished in factory KAD Gunmetal, a color originally made famous by the 1990 Nismo R32 GT-R Group A homologation models. Understated, clean, and purposeful—KAD isn’t just paint, it’s pedigree.

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🔧 Key Highlights:

• 🏁 Built at NISMO Omori Factory

• 🎨 KAD Gunmetal factory paint (Nissan color code KAD)

• 🔩 R4-spec 2.8L engine with forged internals and Nismo R3 turbo kit

• 🛠 Balanced for both street use and circuit performance

• 📜 Comes with official Nismo CRS documentation and verification

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This car represents the pinnacle of what Nismo envisioned for the R34 GT-R—OEM+ in the purest, most collectible form.

As of this writing, it’s in stock now, legally in the U.S., and available for enthusiasts, collectors, and investors alike.

→ View the full listing and details here

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📸 Stay tuned for a full photo set 
📦 For serious inquiries, contact: 🚗 R34 GT-Rs for Sale
🏁 As always, follow us on 📸 Instagram – @toprank_ivi_sean_morris  and 
📺 YouTube – Toprank Importers for the latest rare and imported GT-Rs.

Looking for a USA-legal Nissan Skyline?
Buy R32, R33, and R34 GT-Rs at Toprank Importers!
🔗 Start Here – GTRUSABlog Index
🛒 Skyline Parts & JDM Toys on Amazon
🌐 All Our Links
📘 Follow on Facebook

Read More