Tariff FAQS

Automotive Tariffs

Worried about auto tariffs and rising prices?

You’re not alone. With increasing buzz about the proposed tariffs and their potential impact on the Canadian auto industry, many drivers are asking the same thing:

“Should I buy now or wait?”

Let’s break it down—because buying smart starts with being informed.

Canadian flag, used in the FAQ section of tariffs on the Chevrolet dealership webpage.
Three people with a Chevrolet salesperson at a dealership, on the FAQ tariffs page.

What Are Tariffs—And Why Should You Care?

tariff is a tax placed on imported goods. For car buyers in Canada, this means:

  • Higher prices on imported vehicles and parts
  • Reduced availability of certain models
  • Longer delivery times due to supply chain slowdowns

Tariffs can raise your car price overnight—even if nothing else changes.

Swipe the table to the right and see more

U.S. Tariffs on Canadian GoodsAmountAnnouncedStatus
Tariff on automotive parts exported into the U.S. except parts that comply with CUSMA 25% Active – effective May 3, 202525%Active – effective May 3, 2025
Tariff relief on certain imported automotive parts, only on vehicles with final assembly in the U.S.15% of value of vehicle for one year; 10% for second yearActive – effective April 29, 2025
Tariff on finished vehicles exported from Canada into the U.S.25% non-compliant with USMCA; 12.5% if vehicle contains 50% U.S. content per USMCAMarch 26, 2025Active – effective April 3, 2025
Tariff on automotive parts exported from Canada into the U.S.25%March 26, 2025Announced – to take effect by May 3, 2025
Tariffs on steel and aluminum products exported from Canada into the U.S.25% Cumulative 50% on steel; 35% on aluminumMarch 11, 2025Active – effective March 12, 2025
Tariffs on all goods exported from Canada into the U.S25% Goods non-compliant with USMCA; 10% Energy and potash non compliant with USMCAMarch 4, 2025Active

Swipe the table to the right and see more

Canadian Tariffs on U.S. GoodsAmountAnnouncedStatus
Temporary 6-month tariff relief on Canada’s surtax on passenger vehicles and certain trucks from the U.S. 25% Active – effective April 15, 202525%Active – effective April 15, 2025
Tariff on finished vehicles not compliant with CUSMA, imported from the U.S. into Canada25%April 3, 2025Active – effective April 9, 2025
Phase 2 counter tariffs on $125 billion of goods and services25%March 4, 2025On hold – consultation period conducted March 4 to April 2, 2025
Counter tariffs on $29.8 billion in steel, aluminum and other products imported from the U.S. into Canada25%March 12, 2025Active – effective March 13, 2025. List of goods subject to tariffs here. In place until the U.S. eliminates its tariffs against Canadian steel and aluminum products
Phase 1 counter tariffs on $30 billion in products imported from the U.S. into Canada25%
March 4, 2025
Active – effective March 4, 2025. List of goods subject to tariffs here. In place until the U.S. eliminates its tariffs against Canadian products

Frequently Asked Questions

How will tariffs affect car prices?

The tariffs are expected to affect the supply chain of vehicles, potentially driving up costs for automakers in North America. Auto parts can be involved in several border crossings between Canada and the U.S. before a vehicle is completely assembled. This will result in increased production costs, which may be passed along to consumers, and potentially lead to higher car prices overall in both Canada and the U.S. Automakers are assessing their supply chains and manufacturing plants in light of the recent tariff announcements and fluid situation.

I need to buy a car. What are my options to mitigate the impact of potentially higher car prices?

Currently, any in-stock new vehicle is not impacted by the tariffs.

Addison on Eglinton also has a wide selection of used vehicles that are also not subject to the Canadian counter tariffs. We encourage you to look at our wide selection of inventory. Please check back often, as our inventory changes daily.

How can I avoid the impact of the Canadian tariffs?

Canadian counter tariffs are currently in effect. Tariffs will apply only to vehicles made in the US. Any in-stock new or used vehicle is not affected. In addition, any vehicle manufactured outside of the US is not subjected to tariffs.

Will these tariffs affect vehicles that I lease instead of purchase?

Yes, tariffs may increase the cost of both leased and purchased vehicles. Any in-stock new or used vehicle is not affected.

Will Addison on Eglinton adjust pricing on vehicles already in inventory due to the tariffs?

No, vehicles already in inventory before tariff implementation will not have tariffs added to the price.

Will my trade-in value be affected by the tariffs?

Trade-in values are influenced by overall market conditions. If vehicle prices rise due to tariffs, it could increase the value of your trade-in.

Do these tariffs apply to parts and service for vehicles already on the road?

As of now, tariffs on auto parts are still being clarified by the Canadian government. If implemented, it could raise prices on parts, potentially affecting service and maintenance costs.

If I pre-order a new vehicle, will there be any changes to the vehicle’s purchase price at delivery?

Tariffs will increase the final price of impacted models. The only way to protect yourself against the possibility of price increases is to choose to purchase an in-stock vehicle. If you currently have a vehicle on order, please contact your Addison on Eglinton Product Advisor for current status.

Can I reserve a vehicle at today’s price even if it arrives after the tariffs take effect?

Pricing is generally tied to the delivery date and applicable automaker’s pricing at that time. Speak with a Addison on Eglinton Product Advisor to explore all available options.

Are there any government programs or incentives to help offset increased vehicle costs?

At this time, there are no new government programs tied to tariffs. Provincial EV rebates and other incentives still apply for qualifying vehicles.