Pickup Buyers Might Be the Actual Reason Trump Rescinded Tariffs | Carscoops

      Could the Republican tendencies of pickup owners explain the postponement of tariffs on vehicles from Mexico and Canada?

       March 8, 2025 at 16:00

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

       by Sam D. Smith

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      The increase in pickup truck prices may have played a role in the decision to delay tariffs.

      Pickup owners are twice as likely to identify as Republicans compared to Democrats.

      Analysts estimate that vehicles from Mexico or Canada could see an average price increase of $7,000.

      

      Earlier this week, President Donald Trump announced that tariffs on auto imports from Mexico and Canada would be deferred until April. This marks the second time the U.S. president has altered the timeline, with the latest announcement coming just a day after he stated that the executives of America’s big three automakers were “excited” about the impending 25 percent tariffs.

      

      

      Read: These 47 Cars Made In Canada And Mexico Could Face Significant Price Increases

      The official rationale for postponing the automotive tariffs is that the major automakers—Ford, Stellantis, and GM—had requested the delay. “We consulted with the big three auto manufacturers. We are granting a one-month exemption for any vehicles coming through the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement,” stated White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt.

      What’s Behind the Delay?

      

      

      

      

      While it’s not surprising that U.S. automakers are not particularly pleased with this idea, given that many of their models are produced across the border, a significant reason for Trump’s concession could relate to one specific vehicle type: pickups.

      According to a report from Reuters, the decision to pause the tariffs may be linked to the popularity of trucks among Republican voters. Research from Edmunds indicates that pickup owners are twice as inclined to identify as Republicans compared to Democrats.

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      The Pickup Influence

      Currently, a 25 percent tax on vehicle imports could lead to price increases for some of the most popular trucks in America, such as the Chevrolet Silverado and Silverado HD, GMC Sierra, Ford Maverick, and Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500, all produced in either Canada or Mexico. It’s worth noting that not only domestic-brand pickups would be affected; Toyota also manufactures the Tacoma in Mexico.

      While the tariff's impact will vary by manufacturer, data suggests that consumers may see an average price rise of $3,000, with vehicles from Mexico or Canada potentially increasing by about $7,000.

      

      

      The Bigger Picture: Tariffs Extend Beyond Cars

      The effects of these tariffs won’t be restricted to vehicles produced across the border, as almost no car in the U.S. is built with entirely domestically sourced components. Parts such as engines, transmissions, and other essential elements for U.S.-made vehicles are frequently produced in neighboring countries. “A tariff on Mexico, in this specific case, or on Canada, will have a financial impact amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars on the industry overall,” remarked Ramiro Gutierrez, President of ZF’s North America division.