Trump’s surprise 25% car tariff announcement has left automakers scrambling—but Tesla just cruised right through it. While Ford sank 3.4% (F) and GM plunged over 7% (GM), Tesla stock rose 2.5% to $278.94 on Thursday (TSLA). That’s because Tesla makes all the cars it sells in the U.S. right at home. This gives it a cushion against import penalties that hit competitors much harder.
Trump’s Tariff Hits Land Hard on GM and Ford
The new tariffs hit everyone—Europe, Asia, Canada, Mexico. Trump’s move caught the Street off guard. As Wedbush’s Daniel Ives put it, “Auto tariffs are back on the table (for now),” warning they could drive car prices up $5,000 to $10,000 depending on the model.
Tesla Faces Delivery Worries Despite the Stock Bump
Still, not all is rosy for Tesla. The company is expected to report first-quarter deliveries as low as 355,000—well below last year’s 387,000. According to Ives, the Model Y refresh is partly to blame, with buyers holding out for the upgrade.
But for now, being made-in-America is giving Elon Musk a timely edge.
Is Tesla a Buy, Hold, or Sell?
Turning to Wall Street, analysts have a Hold consensus rating on TSLA stock based on 14 Buys, 11 Holds, and 11 Sells assigned in the past three months. Furthermore, the average TSLA price target of $335.89 per share implies 20.8% upside potential.
