Related: Trump Auto Tariffs 'Premature,' Commerce Secretary Says
Tariffs on Hold as Trump Weighs National Security Impact
President Donald Trump is "not ready to act" on threatened auto import tariffs following a Tuesday meeting with his top trade advisers, an anonymous source told Bloomberg.

President Trump has delayed implementation of his planned trade tariffs.
Photo via Gage Skidmore/Flickr.
President Donald Trump is "not ready to act" on threatened auto import tariffs following a Tuesday meeting with his top trade advisers, an anonymous source told Bloomberg. At issue is a Commerce Department report on the national security implications of new trade restrictions. A final report is due from Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross in February.
If the report deems auto imports to be a national security threat, the president will have 90 days to decide whether to act and another 15 days to execute any prescribed measures, which could include tariffs as well as quotas.
Trump has threatened new tariffs as high as 25% on foreign-made cars. The NADA has estimated prices could rise by as much as $2,270 on affected U.S.-built cars and trucks and $6,875 on imported vehicles. Business and government leaders have repeatedly warned the administration such a move would disrupt the global automotive industry and the growth and stability of the U.S. economy.
News of a delay was greeted by stock-market gains for Honda, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, and Toyota. Vehicles built in Canada and Mexico are exempt from new tariffs — subject to caps — thanks to deals negotiated under the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Manufacturers in nations belonging to the European Union are believed to be exempt for as long as talks continue on a new trade pact.
"We are under the assumption that is still valid," EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom told Bloomberg, referring to a mutually agreed-upon halt on new tariffs from either side.
More Vehicle Research

Stellantis Recalls Nearly 849,000 Vehicles for Rearview Camera Issue
Nearly 849,000 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles are affected by a software issue that can prevent the rearview camera image from appearing. Stellantis plans to address the issue through an over-the-air software update.
Read More →
2027 Jeep Grand Cherokee Adds Upland, Trailhawk and Overland Trims
The 2027 Grand Cherokee lineup adds new trim options, updated standard technology and a choice of V6 or turbocharged four-cylinder powertrains.
Read More →
The Tools Are Smarter, but Are Your Fleet Strategies? | AF News Recap
From a fleet manager’s critical first 90 days to why more technology doesn’t automatically mean better safety, this week is all about turning tools into results.
Read More →Beyond the Hype: How AI Can Make Fleets More Productive
How can AI actually make fleets more efficient?
Read More →
From a Major Ram Recall to Hands-On AI | AF News Recap
A massive Ram recall, new maintenance cost comparisons, the retirement of a longtime fleet industry leader, and hands-on AI are all making headlines. Here’s what fleet professionals need to know this week.
Read More →
Commercial Fleet Sales Rise 7.1% Through July 2026
Commercial fleet sales were the primary source of growth across the commercial, government and rental segments during the first seven months of 2026.
Read More →
Top 50 Executive Fleets
It is that time of year again! Time for the 2026 list of the Top 50 Executive Fleets, presented by Automotive Fleet and Volvo as part of its annual Fleet 500. Download now to see this year's list of companies!
Read More →
What Comes Next for Auto Driveaway?
A new Auto Driveaway feature called Arrive provides recipients with live location updates and ETAs during the final hour of a vehicle move, while fleet customers continue to have end-to-end shipment visibility through the company's customer portal.
Read More →
Fleet Hacks: AI-Generated Posters, Fleet Sounding Boards, and Managing Your Time
The new Fleet Hacks series highlights the seemingly small, simple ideas that save fleet managers time, money, and headaches.
Read More →
First Look at the Returning 2027 Ram ProMaster City
The Ram ProMaster City returns for 2027 as a midsize cargo and passenger van with a 2,175-pound payload, 2,000-pound towing capacity, and more than 9 feet of cargo-floor length.
Read More →