According to Reuters, the extremely high US tariffs on goods from China are thwarting Tesla's plans. According to the report, parts are so expensive that production of the Cybercab robotaxi and the Semi articulated lorry has been put on hold for the time being.
Tesla relies on parts from China to build its vehicles. This is why the tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump on Chinese imports are becoming a serious problem for the electric car manufacturer. According to insiders, the tariff conflict is already disrupting Tesla's production plans.
Imports of components for the Cybercab robotaxi and the Semi articulated truck have been suspended, a person with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters news agency. This could delay the mass production of the eagerly awaited new models.
Tariffs climb to unimagined heights
According to the insider, Tesla was actually prepared to absorb the additional costs that would have resulted from the special tariffs of 34 percent on Chinese goods initially imposed by Trump.
However, the special tariffs were then increased to 84 percent and finally to 125 percent. As a result, the total tariffs - including the previously existing rates on Chinese goods - now amount to 145 percent. As a result, the delivery plans have now been put on hold.
According to the insider, Tesla wanted to start test production of the two models in October. Mass production was due to start in 2026.
Tesla did not respond to requests for comment. According to a report in the Washington Post, CEO Elon Musk had personally appealed to Trump to reverse the new blanket tariffs.
Tesla's sales figures have recently slumped worldwide. In the USA and other countries, there have also been demonstrations and attacks against the car dealerships of the e-car pioneer. Musk has been criticized in the US in particular for his role as an advisor to President Trump on controversial cuts to federal agencies. Due to Musk's closeness to Trump, Tesla is also seen as a target of retaliation against the USA for the punitive tariffs introduced by the president against several countries, including Canada.
