Now it's Elon Musk's turn – Tesla has to put production plans on hold due to Chinese tariffs

WELT Now it's Elon Musk's turn – Tesla has to put production plans on hold due to Chinese tariffs 4 hours • 2 minutes reading time Sales figures for Trump advisor Elon Musk's auto company are already collapsing. Now Tesla apparently has to postpone the launch of two new models. Imports of important components became impossible after the introduction of tariffs of 145 percent on imports from China. According to insiders, the tariffs on Chinese imports imposed by US President Donald Trump are disrupting the production plans of electric car manufacturer Tesla. Imports of components for the Cybercab robotaxi and the Semi semi-trailer truck have been suspended, a person with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters. This could delay mass production of the eagerly awaited new models. According to the insider, Tesla was actually willing to absorb the additional costs resulting from the special 34 percent tariffs on Chinese goods initially imposed by Trump. But then the special tariffs were increased to 84 percent and finally to 125 percent. This brings the total tariffs – including the previously existing rates on Chinese goods – to 145 percent. Therefore, the delivery plans have now been put on hold. According to the insider, Tesla wanted to begin test production of the two models in October. Mass production was supposed to start in 2026. Tesla did not respond to requests for comment. According to a report in the Washington Post, CEO Elon Musk personally appealed to Trump to reverse the new, blanket tariffs. Tesla's sales figures have recently plummeted worldwide. In the US and other countries, there have also been demonstrations and attacks against the electric car pioneer's dealerships. Musk is under criticism in the US, particularly for his role as an advisor to President Trump on controversial cuts to federal agencies. Because of Musk's proximity to Trump, Tesla is also considered a target of retaliation against the US for the punitive tariffs imposed by the president on several countries, including Canada.