So, Trump’s Tariffs Show He's Got Beef with Imports — Here’s Why That’s Suddenly Our Problem, Canada

How Trump’s New Auto Tariffs Are Slamming Canadian Car Buyers — Especially JDM Fans

Whether you're buying a new domestic Ford, a used imported Hyundai, or a JDM Honda, the tariffs are affecting everything. Here's how to minimize the cost.

Because of Trump's tariffs, all prices on all vehicles - new and used, domestic and imported - are going up.

Well, here we are. It’s 2025, and President Donald Trump has decided that foreign cars are enemy number one. On April 3, he dropped a 25% tariff bomb on all foreign-built cars entering the U.S.—not just from China or Germany, but also from trade buddies like Japan, South Korea... and yep, Canada. So what’s that got to do with you, the average Canadian who just wants a reasonably priced Toyota? A lot, actually.

Let’s start with the Canadian clapback. Our own government said, “Oh, you wanna play?” and slapped a matching 25% tariff on U.S.-made vehicles. Our new Prime Minister Mark Carney (the king is dead, long live the king?) didn’t mince words—he called the whole thing “economic aggression.” And honestly? He’s not wrong. According to Bloomberg , the feds are scrambling to set up support programs because Ontario—the beating heart of Canada’s auto industry—is bracing for impact. Meanwhile, The New York Post is warning of a possible recession and up to 100,000 jobs at risk. So yeah… not great.

Wait, What About JDM Imports?

Good question. Japan—home of all those glorious turbocharged sedans, AWD wagons, and pint-sized kei trucks—is also on Trump’s hit list. So if you’re part of the JDM crew, brace yourself. Many Canadian importers ship cars through U.S. ports like Long Beach or Seattle because, well, it’s easier and sometimes cheaper. But now? Those vehicles are getting smacked with a 27.5% combined duty when they cross U.S. soil, and kei trucks might get slammed with 50% in tariffs. That’s not pocket change. That’s “maybe I’ll just buy a Civic” territory. Motor1 has the ugly details here

So what’s a JDM fan supposed to do? Reroute through Canadian ports—Vancouver, Halifax, maybe Montreal if you're feeling spicy. You're container shipping to Halifax, maybe Montreal; Vancouver is the only one that'll do Ro-Ro anymore. That lets you dodge the U.S. tariffs, but (and this is a big but), shipping costs have shot up. Everyone’s trying to reroute, Ro-Ro space is limited, and suddenly you're paying 15–25% more just for the privilege of landing your Toyota Chaser on Canadian soil.

But I’m Importing Direct to Canada—Am I Safe?

Safer? Sure. Immune? Not even close. If you’re importing directly from Japan to Canada, congrats—you’ve dodged Trump’s 25% tariff tantrum. But don't celebrate just yet. Canada still charges an import duty on vehicles not built in North America, and that’s usually 6.1%—unless your car qualifies for a tariff exemption under the CPTPP (that’s the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, for those not fluent in trade lingo). If your JDM dream machine is a bona fide Japanese make and you’ve got the right Certificate of Origin, you can actually skip the duty entirely (JapanDirect)

But duty or no duty, the chaos doesn’t end there. Shipping lanes are jammed, Ro-Ro carriers are fully booked, and freight quotes from Japan to Vancouver are climbing faster than kei van auction prices. According to Pacific Coast Auto, container shipping has jumped by 15–25% since late March—and that’s before you factor in fuel surcharges or wait times (Pacific Coast JDM). Ocean freight that used to be “pricey but doable” is now creeping towards “maybe I’ll just live without air conditioning” expensive. So even if you’re smart enough to avoid the U.S. mess entirely, you're still paying more than you were a few months ago—just to get your wheels on Canadian pavement.

...container shipping has jumped by 15–25% since late March—and that’s before you factor in fuel surcharges or wait times. Ocean freight that used to be “pricey but doable” is now creeping towards “maybe I’ll just live without air conditioning” expensive... -Dream

And that minty Nissan Cedric or turbocharged Toyota Chaser you’ve been watching like it’s your retirement plan? Yeah, it’s gone up. Between auction inflation, shipping chaos, and dockside delays, prices are climbing across the board. You’re not being scammed—it’s just what happens when demand surges and logistics get complicated. Welcome to the new normal. That said, a 15-year old low km Honda Odyssey will on average still be cheaper/better buy than what you currently find here.

Used Car Market? Also Screwed

With fewer new imports hitting the lot and JDM prices climbing, guess what’s next? Used Canadian-market cars are going up too. The New York Post says prices on used sedans and crossovers are already up 10–20%, especially in B.C. and Ontario. It’s basic supply and demand—when the new stuff dries up, the old stuff becomes gold.

And here’s the real kicker: Japanese automakers are reportedly rethinking how much stock they even want to send over to North America right now. With tariffs, logistics snarls, and political chess games, they may just say, “Nah, we’re good,” and focus on their home markets or friendlier trade partners. Which means we may all be stuck with older vehicles, tighter inventories, and a whole lot more rustproofing.

TL;DR?

Trump’s tariffs are a mess for everyone—but for Canadians, especially JDM importers and budget-conscious buyers, it’s starting to feel personal. If you’re planning to import that dream car, you’d better budget for higher freight, longer delays, and fewer options. And if you were hoping to snag a used Toyota or Mazda off a local lot? Move fast, or bring your wallet.

Because in 2025, even your car has a trade policy problem.

Are you facing this car-purchase nightmare? Share your comments below!