As recently as April 2025, the all-clear was given and it was announced that the US tariffs would not affect classic cars. In the meantime, however, the American authorities have apparently changed their mind.
According to new information available, from August 2025, classic cars that are more than 25 years old and were manufactured abroad will also be subject to high "reciprocal" tariffs when they enter the USA.
This means that a classic Ferrari or Porsche coming from Europe will be subject to 15% duty, a British classic to 12.5% and a Japanese classic to 17.5%.
It is not yet clear exactly who pays which duties in which cases. It is also still unclear whether an Italian car bought in Switzerland would mean 39% (CH) or 15% (IT/EU) duty for an American import. At the moment, however, the place of manufacture seems to be relevant and not the country from which the car is exported.
In any case, buyers, especially Americans, should find out in good time what duties could be payable on imports. These new duties will particularly affect intermediaries, dealers and owners of expensive vehicles who serve customers in the USA.