The draft proclamation of the US government’s new tariff policy was released today. Within that document exists a clause that exempts vehicles that were manufactured over 25 years ago, by the month, from the tax increase. This is great news for JDM importers and enthusiasts who are planning to buy a classic car from Japan.

The full proclamation can be found on the federal register website linked, below, which is a site owned and maintained by the US government: https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2025-05930/automobiles-and-automobile-parts-imports-into-us-adjustment-proc-10908

This proclamation confirms that the duty for standard passenger vehicles to the USA will be 2.5%, and cargo vehicles will be 25%. Therefore most standard JDM imports, such as a Nissan Skyline GT-R, Toyota Land Cruiser, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Honda Civic Type-R, or Mazda RX-7, will incur the long standing 2.5% tariff. Vehicles declared to be cargo vehicles, typically a vehicle with a pickup bed on the back or a cargo van without rear seatbelts (Toyota Dyna, Toyota Hilux, Daihatsu Hijet, Suzuki Every, etc.) will incur a 25% duty on import. The 25% tax on trucks and cargo vehicles has been a long-standing tariff since the 1960s.

These duties have been in existence for decades and should reassure importers that prices will not drastically change in the foreseeable future.

To further corroborate this announcement, we have also confirmed the rates with our customs broker partners in the USA. If you are interested in importing a classic car from Japan or have any specific questions about importing cars from Japan, please contact us today to speak with our team. We’d be happy to help you get started!