It's Getting Worse: Mitsubishi Stops Shipments to US Dealers

The Japanese automaker has a 100-day supply of cars sitting on lots. After that's exhausted, expect prices to spike.

Photo by: Christopher Smith / Motor1

By: Brian Silvestro

Apr 14, at 9:43am ET

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Mitsubishi has joined a growing list of foreign automakers who have paused shipments to United States dealers in response to the Trump administration's 25-percent tariff on automobiles.

"We are holding vehicles at the port until we have additional visibility on tariffs and decisions made on next steps," a spokesperson told Automotive News on Friday. "We have sufficient stock on the ground at dealers for the moment to not impact customer choice."

Photo by: Mitsubishi

How Mitsubishi Dealers Will React

Dealerships won't immediately feel the heat from Trump's tariffs. The country's dealers have 20,245 vehicles already in the country and ready to sell, representing a near-100-day supply, according to Autonews.

While pricing for those cars won't be affected by tariffs, the Japanese automaker slashed incentives for its best-selling car, the Outlander, to prepare for the inevitable cost increases later this year. Customers will now get just $1,000 in "customer cash," versus $1,500. Financing for qualified buyers, meanwhile, has gone up to 4.99 percent, from 2.99 percent.

Mitsubishi builds all of the cars it sells in the US at plants in Japan, leaving it particularly exposed to Trump's tariffs. It spells a grim future for the struggling carmaker, which sold just 109,843 vehicles in 2024. Dealers have essentially given up on the brand, with many turning their focus to selling used cars.

Photo by: Mitsubishi

How the Market Will React in the Future

Trump's tariffs have forced numerous automakers to pause shipments to the US. Mitsubishi is joined by the likes of Lotus, Jaguar-Land Rover, Volkswagen, and Audi, holding ships and stopping transporters from leaving ports. Volvo went one step further last week, discontinuing the S90 for the US.

Automakers have yet to signal when they plan to resume shipments, telling media they're waiting for more clarity on tariffs from the administration. It's likely they're simply waiting to see if the tariffs will be reversed—a scenario that's becoming less likely by the day. All signs point to a dark future ahead, filled with higher prices and slumping sales.