corsia logo

What does Trump’s tariff plan mean for car collectors?

What does Trump’s tariff plan mean for car collectors?

Some of us enjoy looking at classic vehicles. We dream about possessing them, and maybe even driving them. Then there are those who actually buy these cars. However, with a recent tariff proposal, many collectors may have a significantly harder time purchasing certain classics.

We from Corsia Logistics are quite fond of this whole niche. We have even made it a goal to provide the best classic car shipping services to every client. So we figured, it is important to shed some light on what these tariff changes may mean for collectors and regular people alike.

What is the new classic car tariff?

A few weeks ago, President Trump proposed a new tariff plan that has to do with imported vehicles. To put it briefly, it is a 25% price increase slapped on top of every single imported vehicle and auto part. This is a tenfold increase from the 2.5% we’ve had so far. And we are not talking just about classics, but every single vehicle!

To be fair, the President has likely not even given a thought about the ramifications this plan would have for car collectors. The main goal behind the tariff proposal has to do with keeping money within the United States. It serves to discourage people from importing vehicles in general.

You may think that this is all fine. After all, importing a European vehicle is not that easy in the first place. You have to go out of your way to do it. That is because imported cars usually do not meet US requirements. You have to pay quite the sum to make them drivable here. So this discourages such efforts anyway, even without the tariff.

However, the issue with classics lies elsewhere. They currently have a special status, as you can learn from our guide on how to import a classic car. This made it much easier to buy a vintage car outside of the States and not pay a premium for it. But right now? Well… let’s do the math.

It is not uncommon for a classic vehicle to have a 6-digit cost. In fact, it can often go up to a million dollars. A 25% tariff on that would mean the whopping $250,000 for what is essentially nothing! And if you think that this will not be a problem for regular people, you are wrong.

Why this tariff plan affects everyone

Maybe you have never considered purchasing a vehicle from Europe, let alone a classic. Most Americans are like you. Well, what if I told you that this tariff plan has less to do with European imports than you think?

Let me ask you this – what do you drive? Maybe it is a Toyota or an Acura. Perhaps you enjoy a BMW or a Mercedes. It is even possible that you are all about the American-made beasts of GM, Ford, and Chevy. But is your car truly American?

Here is the real conflict. It is quite likely that you are not driving a US-made car. It could be one manufactured in Canada or Mexico. Like the third-generation Dodge Challenger, which is assembled in Ontario. Want to get one? Be prepared to shell out an additional 25% for that. You will not be getting the top of the line package though. The vehicle is just 25% more expensive, but with no added value to that.

How car lovers are going to be hurt

Obviously, the majority of people are not car collectors. But many of us still enjoy older vehicles and we like looking at them. This is why there are many events, where you can go and be up close to a vintage car. Which actually makes for quite the fun family experience as well.

Take for example the Porsche Parade. There you can see a lot of fascinating vehicles from the marque. You can watch rallies, take a closer look at the classic models, buy merchandise and other awesome things. This is one of the bigger classic car events, but there are many community organized gatherings all over the country. What do you think will happen to them?

If car collectors are discouraged from buying non-US classics, we would likely see less and less such vehicles featured in the shows. Or even worse – some of these shows may disappear altogether. And sadly, it does not stop here.

Does the proposed tariff affect other branches as well?

You may think that a niche, such as classic car enthusiasts, is not that big of a deal. Sure, the tariff is going to hurt it a bit, but so what? It is more of a hobby market anyway, right? Why is it such a big deal?

Consider this: there are countless businesses that actually depend on the vintage car market. The collectors and enthusiasts are just a piece of it. However, they are not even the ones who make its wheels spin.

One of the obvious businesses that can get affected is car shipping. After all, transporting the vehicle is a logistics task that is usually handled by a shipping company. This includes not only importing the vehicle from another country but also transporting it to different events, shows or even between collectors. Naturally, with classic car prices artificially going up, fewer such vehicles are going to be bought. Which leads to fewer being transported too.

Additionally, there are car restoration businesses that are also dependent on imported classics and parts. Many of them even buy the classics and resell them after restoration. So a 25% price increase can affect their bottom line in an obvious way.

To make things worse, the tariff can have repercussions across multiple niches, which we have not even considered. No one can precisely say how many small contractors can get affected by it and in what way. One thing is for sure though – they certainly will be. In the end, it might turn out the tariff would do the opposite of what is intended and would harm the US more than it would help.

What do you think about the tariff plan?

We are seeing how a government’s decision can lead to serious issues, which are often not obvious in the beginning. But something should be done once people voice their concerns.

Maybe we will not see a complete change to the proposal. After all, the President had his reasons for it. For example, I have to assume that there may be some merit to the tariff when we talk about new vehicles. However, I cannot really see the benefits of charging the classic car niche. Can you?

I am curious to know what you think. Perhaps there is something I am missing, and the tariff can actually turn out to be a good thing. Is that possible? Or do you think that it is just another way to wage a trade war?

Share our experience:
Are you ready to ship a car?
Recent posts
car shipping quote

Truckers Can Fight Sex Trafficking

If You See Something, Say Something! This is the slogan of the nonprofit group Truckers Against Trafficking, the organization’s main goal is to have more

Shipping a Rivian

Shipping a Rivian

Shipping an electric vehicle like Rivian requires several considerations. Here we will share some key aspects to keep in mind when you need to ship

Read more

Corsia Logistics team works hard every day to ensure reliable expedited car shipping service. Our customer reviews prove that.

5-Star Rated Car Shipping Company

5/5
5/5
5/5

they trusted us

and here's what they say

Simon Moore
Great company
Read More
Looking for a logistics company, to ship my car, from California to Illinois,my first search, then Corsia showed up, skeptical. Call and a very friendly secretary: Elena. She guided me through, I scheduled and as she explained, all when smooth as scheduled Very happy I did the right choice. I'll recommend this great Company to anyone that is thinking to relocate a vehicle. Thanks Corsia logistics for your honesty and professionalism!
Elizabeth Woodward
High five's all around!
Read More
Corsia was highly recommended by a friend in the automobile industry. We needed to transport a cargo van from Seattle to Florida. We contacted Corsia who quickly arranged transport within just a few days. Communication was outstanding! Just a few email confirmations and we were all set. Mike was great and arrived right on time and delivered to Florida on schedule. Tip-avoid the hornets nest of auto brokers on line and just contact Corsia for a truly great experience!
Carrol Tiffany
Amazing
Read More
Corsia has been amazing. Their prices are really competitive but more importantly their customer service has been 5-Star. Elena followed up with me every step of the way, making sure there was no miscommunication between me & the driver. We are using them to ship a 2nd vehicle & would not hesitate to use them again!
Tony Boyd
Definitely recommend
Read More
I have recently used Corsia for long time family car with sentimental value that was moved I have recently used Corsia for shipment of my vehicle from Oregon to Arizona by recommendation from other family member who also used Corsia in the past. I am very pleased on the service and the communication throughout shipment. Ken was my direct contact and kept me informed along the move The car was picked up and delivered as communicated. I did use a enclosed mover and the driver was also clean cut professional and treated car as his own. I would definitely recommend Corsia again with the experience I have had. Thank you. T
JW
Top notch
Read More
Top notch Transport - Porsche 997 Top notch! As easy and efficient as one could possibly imagine. Great customer service.. thank you Luke. Great prices. Check. Timely communications. Check. Clean transport trailer. Check. Supremely careful driver. Check. Timely arrival. Check. Don't mess around elsewhere, just call Corsica and feel confident your transports needs are going to be exceeded. My Porsche 911 rode like a Queen in her enclosed chariot. I've never needed a transport company before, and I surely will use them every time. Do yourself a favor, seriously. Call now.
Geet Mp Haryana
Reliable, efficient
Read More
Corsia rep (Elena) was very proactive. Helped ship a car from CA to GA. She checked in with me via email quote and several phone calls to find me the best possible quote for the fastest available service. After several communications, Corsia was able to schedule a vehicle pickup the next day. The driver communicated well, and the vehicle arrived in final destination faster than we expected in perfect condition. I highly recommend using Corsia's reliable, efficient service.
Cay Liptak
Clean, efficient, wonderful
Read More
Thanks, Corsia! Pickup was so clean, efficient, and wonderful -- my only recommendation is to make sure you schedule it during the day so you can fully review the car in the daylight. Drop off was equally wonderful, and the whole trip went down without a hitch (pun intended!). Seriously, Corsia delivered my Jeep from CT to California with no issues or bumps in the road!
Csaba Kovesdy
Truly positive experience
Read More
Corsia Memphis to LA, mid-size SUV. I looked at 4 different companies amd Corsia was the most responsive of them. While being responsive, they were not unduly aggressive: when I indicated that I need to wait a month before making a decision they stopped contacting me and only came back with a reminder when I really needed it. Once I decided to engage Corsia they found me a transport within two days and the car was delivered (from Memphis to LA) in another two days. I had a truly positive experience.
Kelly Torres
Highly recommend
Read More
Working with Corsia Logistics was a great experience. Working with Corsia Logistics was wonderful. They were able to find a driver right away to transport our car. They were in constant communication as to when the car was getting picked up and dropped off. The driver also communicated with me as to when he would arrive. I would highly recommend Corsia Logistics.
Amy Nelson
Excellent Organization
Read More
Corsia was an excellent company to work with while I transferred my car across the US. A friend of mine suggested I use them as they had been very organized and trustworthy with her own car. I researched a few different place but decided to go with Corsia and I'm so glad I did! Any questions I had throughout the process they answered quickly and clearly. I would definitely use them again in the future and recommend them for others to use.
Previous
Next