Exclusive-Trump's tariffs on Chinese parts for Cybercab, Semi disrupt Tesla's US production plans, source says

The move could disrupt Tesla's plan to start mass production of the much-anticipated models, which its CEO
Tesla was ready to absorb the additional costs when Trump imposed the 34% tariff on Chinese goods but could not do so when the tariff went beyond that, leaving shipping plans suspended, said the person, who declined to be named as the matter is private.
Trump raised additional tariffs to 84% on
The company was scheduled to start receiving component shipments in upcoming months with the goal of starting trial production of the two models in October and mass production in 2026, the person said, with Cybercab to be produced in
It was not clear how long the suspension will last.
Tesla has for the past two years been increasing the proportion of parts sourced from
Speaking on Monday at the
Tesla didn't respond to requests for comment.
Tesla has been seeking approvals from state governments as it plans to roll out a robotaxi service with a fleet of Cybercabs. It unveiled in October a robotaxi concept that had no steering wheel or control pedals and promised to start building the two-door model by 2026 at a price of less than
Tesla also plans to ramp up production of the Semi electric trucks in 2026 and accelerate deliveries of long-overdue orders to customers including Pepsi.
The impact on the key business plans for Tesla reflected how Trump's tariffs, which were meant to boost U.S. local manufacturing, has hurt his political ally Musk, who has repeatedly said on his social media posts on X he supported free trade and objected tariffs.
The
Musk, who posted a video illustrating how it requires a global supply chain to make a pencil, had made personal appeal to Trump to reverse sweeping new tariffs worldwide,
Tesla has also stopped taking new orders for Model S and Model X as
The U.S. accounted for about 15%-20% by value of exports of Chinese auto components in recent years, S&P said in a report in February.
(Reporting by Shanghai Newsroom. Editing by
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