ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ

US Autos: Tariff Regime Evolving

US Autos: Tariff Regime Evolving

Todd Duvick - Head of Autos, ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ
Will Lee - Analyst, Autos, ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ

13 October 2025

Download the Full Report to Gain:

Insights into U.S. auto tariffs 2026, spanning policy shifts, legal dynamics, North American trade, pricing drivers, and automaker strategy themes, including:

Evolving policy landscape: Explore how shifting trade agreements and tariff policies are reshaping the U.S. auto sector’s operating environment.

Legal overhangs: Understand the potential implications of upcoming court decisions on the stability and direction of auto/parts tariffs.

North American trade dynamics: Learn what to watch in the lead-up to USMCA’s review and how future negotiations could influence cross-border sourcing.

Pricing trajectory: Get a view on the factors that could drive vehicle pricing into 2026 and the conditions that may moderate them.

Profit and strategy themes: See how tariff relief, regulatory shifts, EV dynamics, and industry playbooks may affect automaker profitability and production strategies.

Executive Summary

Bilateral trade agreements promise lower auto tariffs, but deal finalization varies. The UK and Japan trade agreements have reduced tariffs from 25%, but agreements with the EU and South Korea have yet to be finalized.

Could lower Auto/Parts tariffs be caught up in future IEEPA tariff court decisions? Section 232 auto tariffs have become intertwined with International Emergency Economic Power Act (IEEPA) tariffs via the bilateral trade agreements, raising concern about the stickiness of lower auto/parts tariffs under a SCOTUS review of IEEPA tariffs.

US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) renegotiation is slated for mid-2026. Leaders from Canada and Mexico have held coordination talks ahead of the USMCA review, while President Trump has signaled an interest in bilateral agreements and potentially scrapping the USMCA.

The Trump Administration is considering further tariff relief for US vehicle production. Trump is considering an extension of the parts tariff relief adjustment from two years to five years, according to Senator Bernie Moreno.

Tariff impact on pricing remains muted but could pick up with 2026 model year launches. US vehicle retail price inflation could accelerate in 4Q25 and into next year with 2026 model year launches, facilitated in part by lower expected financing rates.

Fill out the below form to view the full article:

Please note that we can only respond to valid business email addresses and the interview is already available to clients.

Recently Published

Research
AllCovenant-ReviewAutosUS CR Quarterly Q1SovereignsBasicLevFin-InsightsTelecommunicationsMay GMUFinancialsÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ-ResearchUtilitiesCase Studiesshow-homeshow-initiation page-homeMunicipalsSLRsTMTAsset Management ResourcesPharmaceuticalsJune GMUEnergyResearchGaming/LeisureWebinar Related ResourceIndustrialsPoliticsMediaUS Special Sits OutlookConsumerTariffsSpecial SituationsEuro Autos: Barbarians at the GatesCorporatePrivate CreditAerospace/DefenseU.S. Autos Expert PanelCovenantsBondsReal EstateEU Special Sits OutlookStrategyPost PetitionServicesJuly GMUESGChemicalsIranAsia in Focus 2H26ESG-HomeEmerging MarketsBanksEM OutlookOutlooks-HomeTransportationConstructionEMEA CR Quarterly Q2TechnologyInsuranceAsia in focus webinarUS CR Quarterly Q2ManufacturingEMEA CR Quarterly Q1Global Credit for ME Investors
Venezuela Oil
Energy: Oil Companies Venturing into Venezuela

Energy: Oil Companies Venturing into Venezuela

September 1, 20261 min Read More
Hughes Satellite Systems
US Bankruptcy: Hughes Satellite Systems judge to order examiner appointment to investigate dealings with parent EchoStar; scope of probe subject to further hearing

US Bankruptcy: Hughes Satellite Systems judge to order examiner appointment to investigate dealings with parent EchoStar; scope of probe subject to further hearing

August 28, 20261 min Read More
Thames Water
Thames Water: Rowing Back On Thames?

Thames Water: Rowing Back On Thames?

August 28, 20261 min Read More
NVDA: More Growth, More Commitments
NVDA: More Growth, More Commitments

NVDA: More Growth, More Commitments

August 28, 20261 min Read More

Stay in the loop with the latest credit insights direct to your inbox