LOGIC.co.id – Trade tensions between the United States and China have eased following an agreement between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping to delay tariff hikes for the next 90 days. This policy shift has brought fresh optimism to the industry, including for electric vehicle giant Tesla.
Under the agreement, import tariffs on Chinese goods entering the U.S. have been reduced to 30% from the previous 145%, while U.S. goods entering China are now subject to only a 10% tariff, down from 125%. The delay has been positively received by global markets, as evidenced by a rebound in tech stocks and renewed cross-border business activity.
Tesla Accelerates Production Amid Tariff Relief
Tesla, the electric vehicle company owned by Elon Musk, immediately took strategic action. According to a Reuters report on Thursday (May 15, 2025), the company has resumed importing components from China to accelerate the production of its two latest models: the Cybercab and the Semi.
Previously, Tesla had suspended component purchases from China following President Trump’s announcement of a 145% tariff, a move that threatened the mass production timeline for Tesla’s upcoming models scheduled for 2026.
With the 90-day reprieve, Tesla quickly reactivated its supply chain from China to meet production targets. The Cybercab is set to be manufactured in Texas, while the Semi will be assembled at Tesla’s Nevada facility.
Tesla’s Ambitious Plan: Robotaxi Production Begins in 2026
Tesla is currently awaiting approval from the U.S. government to operate its autonomous taxi (robotaxi) service using the Cybercab fleet, which is designed without a steering wheel or pedals. The concept was first introduced in October 2024, with a target price below US$30,000 or approximately IDR 496 million.
If all goes according to plan, trial production for both models will begin in October 2025, with mass production slated for the following year.
Tesla also aims to deliver the first Semis to corporate clients such as PepsiCo, which has already placed orders for the vehicle.
High Tariffs Harm U.S. Manufacturers
President Trump’s high-tariff policy was intended to boost domestic manufacturing. However, in reality, many U.S. companies have been negatively affected due to their reliance on global supply chains, particularly from China.
Elon Musk, who is known to have close ties with Trump, has openly voiced his disagreement with the high tariff policy. In Tesla’s annual report last month, Musk revealed that he had requested tariff reductions, but the final decision rested with the President.
Tesla CFO Vaibhav Taneja added that the tariff hikes have placed a financial burden on the company’s capital investments. Tesla needs to import various production equipment from abroad—including China—to expand its manufacturing capacity in the U.S.