Trump's Mexico and Canada tariffs could add nearly $6,000 to the average cost of a car, by one estimate

Americans shopping for cars may need to fork over thousands more if President Donald Trump's proposed tariffs go into effect, according to data from investment bank Benchmark Co.

Analyst Cody Acree estimated that the average sticker price would rise about $5,790, based on the impact of the currently paused 25% levies on cars and components from Mexico and Canada. That would raise the cost of an average new car above $54,500, or nearly 12% higher than in 2024.

"We believe the Auto sector is the most exposed to the risks of increased tariffs," Acree wrote in a note to clients, "given its sheer size of trade dollars, the complexity of the intertwined supply and manufacturing channel that has been cultivated over decades, and the sheer number of our companies that participate in support of this key consumer industry."

Trump slapped 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico at the start of February, briefly rocking markets, but later suspended the duties for one month after reaching tentative agreements with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President Claudia Sheinbaum.

Now, consumers and investors alike wonder what form tariffs will take, or if they'll go into effect at all. Benchmark calculated what 25% levies would mean for the average American's buying power on a popular big-ticket purchase.

Benchmark's estimated higher costs for a car is based on more than 22% of finished automobiles sold in the U.S. coming from Mexico and Canada last year. On top of that, the firm said about 40% of parts used in vehicles also come to America from its North American partners.

That amounts to more than $200 billion worth of exports to America last year. Specifically, Acree found that Mexico supplied $95 billion in completed cars to the U.S., in addition to $68 billion in parts in 2024. Canada provided more than $36 billion worth of finished cars and nearly $16 billion in components.

During an industry event this week, Ford Motor CEO Jim Farley said Trump's proposed tariffs on Canada and Mexico, combined with 25% fees on steel and aluminum imports, have created headaches.

"President Trump has talked a lot about making our U.S. auto industry stronger, bringing more production here, more innovation in the U.S., and if his administration can achieve that, it would be one of … the most signature accomplishments," Farley said during a Wolfe Research investment conference. "So far what we're seeing is a lot of cost, and a lot of chaos."

— CNBC's Michael Wayland contributed to this report.