Trump Tariffs Hit European Aftermarket Car Parts Hard in the U.S.
New data reveals a significant shift in the U.S. aftermarket car parts market. Following the implementation of President Trump’s tariffs on vehicle and auto parts imports in May 2025, demand for European aftermarket parts has seen a sharp decline, reportedly worth billions of dollars. This trend, identified by the AI-powered modding platform MOTORMIA, highlights a growing consumer preference for alternatives, impacting suppliers from countries like Germany, Italy, France, and the U.K.
European Parts Demand Plummets
The statistics from MOTORMIA are striking. The demand for German aftermarket parts among U.S. users dropped by 24% (from 5.7% to 4.3%) between December 2024–May 2025 and May–August 2025. France saw an even steeper decline of 45% (from 0.39% to 0.21%), while Italy experienced a 46% reduction (from 3.4% to 1.9%). Demand for parts from the U.K. also fell by 37% (from 1.8% to 1.1%). This stark decrease points to a direct impact of the tariffs on consumer purchasing habits.
Here’s a quick look at the percentage drops:
| Country | Decline in Demand (May-Aug 2025 vs. Dec 2024-May 2025) |
| Germany | -24% |
| France | -45% |
| Italy | -46% |
| U.K. | -37% |
Uncertainty Drives Market Shift
Isaac Bunick, CEO of MOTORMIA, attributes this decline not only to price sensitivity among enthusiasts but also to widespread uncertainty among European manufacturers. Fluctuating tariffs and regulations lead to a “bearish approach” from manufacturers, resulting in less available inventory. This forces U.S. auto enthusiasts to seek out locally manufactured alternatives, further accelerating the shift away from European imports.
Japanese Parts Show Resilience
In stark contrast to the European market, demand for Japanese aftermarket parts has remained stable and even seen a slight 3% increase (from 13.1% to 13.5%) during the same period. This trend is expected to strengthen further as the U.S.’s lowered 15% tariff rate on Japanese vehicle and auto part imports came into effect on September 16, 2025. This favorable tariff environment could solidify consumer loyalty to Japanese aftermarket products.
The Future of Aftermarket Imports
While the initial impact of Trump’s tariffs on European parts has been substantial, it’s worth noting that lower tariff rates for these European countries began in early August, outside MOTORMIA’s initial study period. The coming months will be crucial to observe whether U.S. consumer demand for aftermarket parts from Germany, Italy, France, and the U.K. rebounds with these new rates, or if the shift towards domestic and Japanese alternatives is a more permanent market realignment.
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