NEW YORK (April 3, 2025) – In an annex to a draft proposal released by the Trump Administration Wednesday afternoon, classic cars—defined as any automobile manufactured “at least 25 years prior to the year of the date of entry”—will be specifically excluded from a potential new 25% US car import tariff. This decision means the current 2.5% classic car tariff rate will remain.

The news was welcomed by collector car buyers concerned about potentially prohibitive increases in the cost to import classics, as well as international sellers who rely on the US market. Auction sites such as Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, and the Calgary, Alberta-based Carbuckle regularly offer lots from Canada and other countries.

Sellers with newer enthusiast cars—those less than 25 years old—and those exempted under the “show and display” rule now face a significant disadvantage when targeting US buyers, with the 25% on top of the 2.5% import duty. This will likely sway both the demand and inventory of classic cars, potentially driving values up. Time to buy that RS4 Avant?