25% tariffs on imported cars and parts set to begin next week

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — Next week, tariffs of 25 percent are set to be levied against cars and parts imported into the United States. These new tariffs could have far-reaching effects on the auto industry, especially considering the complexity of the supply chain.

Cars assembled in the U.S. rely heavily on parts sourced from outside the country, which has created uncertainty about how much new car prices will rise as a result of the tariffs.

We spoke with Cary Bilich, the operator of Cadillac Heaven, a salvage yard in Brunswick County that has been in business for 40 years. Bilich believes the impending tariffs could cause consumers to scale back on spending.

“Nobody is going to have any extra money to spend… my customers aren’t daily drivers—they’re collectors, investing in classic cars. If they can’t afford to maintain their cars, they might eventually have to sell them.”

Bilich also shared concerns that the tariffs could drive up the price of used vehicles. For example, a car worth $10,000 now could see a price jump to $12,000—or even $14,000.