08 April 2025 | General News
This inevitably affects the Jaguar F-Pace, which remains in production throughout 2025 for specific export markets, including the US.
The company has confirmed the move in an official statement: “As we work to address the new trading terms with our business partners, we are taking some short-term actions including a shipment pause in April, as we develop our mid- to longer-term plans.”
Exports to the US account for almost a quarter of JLR production. The company represents £1 in every £8 of Britain’s new-car exports. The decision to pause US shipments comes after President Donald Trump’s announcement on April 3rd that all overseas-built vehicles will be subject to a punitive 25 per cent tariff.
The Sunday Times has reported that JLR is thought to have a couple of months’ worth of vehicle supply already in the USA, which will not be subject to the new tariffs. Shipping vehicles across the Atlantic is said to take around 21 days.
There’s good news for anyone in the USA importing a classic car from Europe or the UK, however, as any vehicle over 25 years of age escapes any extra tariffs. Car shipping expert Mike Harvey, of Autoshippers (www.autoshippers.co.uk), explained the move: “A key detail in the small print of the ‘Liberation Day’ declaration reveals a new classification for 25-year-old cars, which exempts them from the 25 per cent tariff.”
Harvey confirmed that under the new Harmonized System code 9903.94.04, classic cars incur only the existing 2.5 per cent duty as long as they meet the 25-year age requirement: “This means that while newer vehicles may face higher tariffs, classic cars are exempt from these additional charges, significantly reducing the financial burden for enthusiasts and making older imports more accessible.”
