Navigating Tariffs: A Guide for GT-R Enthusiasts and JDM Importers

Widebody S15 Silvia

Navigating the recent flurry of information and changes regarding tariffs on imported vehicles, especially for our beloved 25-year-old classics, has been a bit of a rollercoaster! Let's break down where things currently stand, based on the two key Executive Orders from President Trump.

First, it's important to understand what a tariff is: essentially a tax imposed by the government on imported goods. These duties can generate revenue and also serve to regulate international trade, often making foreign products more expensive to support domestic industries.

The initial key document is the "Adjusting Imports of Automobiles and Automobile Parts into the United States" Executive Order, dated March 26th, 2025. You can find the official details here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/adjusting-imports-of-automobiles-and-autombile-parts-into-the-united-states/ and the Federal Register notice here: https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-05930.pdf.

This initial order outlined a significant +25% tariff increase starting April 3rd, 2025, for most imported automobiles and light trucks. This would have meant:

• Cars: 2.5% (original tariff) + 25% = 27.5% tariff on the ad valorem (value).
• Light Trucks: 25% (original tariff) + 25% = 50% tariff on the ad valorem (value).

For those unfamiliar, ad valorem is a tax calculated as a percentage of the item's value, unlike a fixed tax amount.

However, and this is the crucial point for our 25-year-old treasures, both the Executive Order and the Federal Register notice contain a specific section with fantastic news:

9903.94.04: Applies to all entries of passenger vehicles and light trucks from all countries classifiable in the headings or subheadings listed above that were manufactured in a year at least 25 years prior to the year of the date of entry. 0% additional ad valorem rate of duty

Therefore, based on this initial Executive Order, our understanding is that 25-year-old cars are subject to the original 2.5% tariff + 0% additional tariff = 2.5% ad valorem tariff. This is a huge relief!

But the story doesn't end there. A second Executive Order, the "Regulating Imports with a Reciprocal Tariff to Rectify Trade Practices that Contribute to Large and Persistent Annual United States Goods Trade Deficits," was released on April 2nd, 2025. You can find it here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/regulating-imports-with-a-reciprocal-tariff-to-rectify-trade-practices-that-contribute-to-large-and-persistent-annual-united-states-goods-trade-deficits/.

This order introduced a reciprocal tariff policy, starting with an additional 10 percent base duty on all imports from all trading partners, with potential further increases for specific countries listed in Annex I.

However, like most regulations, there are exceptions! Section 3(b) of this second Executive Order specifically lists goods not subject to these additional reciprocal tariffs:

(b) The following goods as set forth in Annex II to this order, consistent with law, shall not be subject to the ad valorem rates of duty under this order: (iii) all automobiles and automotive parts subject to the additional duties imposed pursuant to section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended, and proclaimed in Proclamation 10908 of March 26, 2025 (Adjusting Imports of Automobiles and Automobile Parts Into the United States);

This clearly states that automobiles and auto parts already subject to the tariffs outlined in the first Executive Order are exempt from this additional reciprocal tariff.

R32 GT-R with BNR34 wheels

Our Current Conclusion:

Based on our current understanding of both Executive Orders and the Federal Register notices, 25-year-old vehicles are currently subject to a 2.5% + 0% tariff.

Adding to this positive outlook, it was announced just yesterday that there would be a 90-day pause on the reciprocal tariff. This means that, for the time being, the additional 10% (and any potential higher rates) should not be applied to automobiles and auto parts.

It's important to remember that all of this information is subject to change as regulations evolve.

For us at Toprank Importers, we've been operating with the standard 2.5% tariff on imported cars since day one. This cost is already factored into our cost of goods and the prices of vehicles currently in the US. If tariff costs were to increase for vehicles imported after the implementation of a higher tariff, those prices would likely need to be adjusted proportionally.

We will continue to monitor these developments closely and keep you informed of any further changes. For now, it appears that the import of those fantastic 25-year-old JDM classics remains at the familiar 2.5% tariff rate!

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