President Trump imposes Auto Tariffs Under Section 232

President Trump imposes Auto Tariffs Under Section 232—Potential impacts for Recreational Boating Industry © National Marine Manufacturers Association

On March 26, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a Presidential Proclamation imposing new tariffs on imported automobiles and auto parts, citing national security concerns under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962.

What's in the Proclamation

While the list of exact Harmonized Tariff Schedule codes has not been released, according to the White House Fact Sheet and the official Presidential Proclamation, the new tariffs include the following provisions:

Tariff Rate and Timing:

• A 25% tariff will be applied to imports of automobiles effective 12:01 a.m. ET on April 3, 2025.
• The same tariff will apply to auto parts effective 12:01 a.m. ET on May 3, 2025.