Europe's auto giants have been shaken by Trump's tariff threats, but Ferrari seems unaffected.

Europe's auto giants have been shaken by Trump's tariff threats, but Ferrari seems unaffected.
Europe's auto giants have been shaken by Trump's tariff threats, but Ferrari seems unaffected.
  • In his first act as president, Donald Trump intends to impose high tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico, potentially disrupting the auto industry's supply chains and causing investors to worry about increased expenses.
  • European Union policymakers will view the absence of Europe in Trump's first tariff announcement as positive news, but they are concerned that it may only be a matter of time before he targets the auto sector in the 27-nation bloc.
  • Ferrari is predicted to be spared from much of the aftermath.

While many car giants face pressure from U.S. tariffs, Ferrari is viewed as a unique case among Europe's automobile industry.

On Monday, President-elect Trump pledged to impose high tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico, potentially disrupting the auto industry's supply chains and causing investors to worry about increased expenses.

The proposed measures by Trump involve imposing a 10% tariff on all Chinese products entering the U.S. and a 25% tariff on goods originating from Canada and Mexico.

The decline in auto shares was due to the possibility of significant consequences for U.S. and European manufacturers, many of which have established factories and rely on auto parts suppliers located in Mexico.

European Union policymakers will view the absence of Europe in Trump's first tariff announcement as positive news, but they are concerned that it may only be a matter of time before he targets the auto sector in the 27-nation bloc.

Ferrari is predicted to be spared from much of the aftermath.

Ferrari has no plans to produce in the U.S., regardless of the tariff, as everything takes place in Maranello, Italy, according to equity analyst Rella Suskin, who spoke with CNBC via video call.

"Ferrari can easily pass on a 10%, 20%, or 30% tariff to consumers due to the target market and the already high price of their cars."

Trump previously promised to impose a 10% or 20% tariff on all imported goods, which caused concern among key trade-dependent sectors such as autos.

Even if the US imposes a 30% tariff on all goods imported from Europe, it may not discourage potential customers from purchasing a Ferrari, according to Morningstar's Suskin. "It's absurd, but that's just how it is," she remarked.

Ferrari did not respond to CNBC's request for comment through a spokesperson.

'Less price sensitive than most'

Ferrari may be able to pass on any price increase if Trump follows through on his promise to impose higher tariffs, according to Tom Narayan, a global autos analyst at RBC Capital Markets.

Kepler Cheuvreux's Thomas Besson states that most analysts and investors view the Italian carmaker as distinct among its European counterparts in this aspect.

Besson conveyed to CNBC via email that while it is uncertain, it is likely accurate.

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This year, Ferrari has outperformed its rivals in Europe and its shares have climbed over 34% year-to-date, significantly higher than France's Renault or Germany's Mercedes-Benz Group.

According to Anthony Dick, an auto analyst at Oddo BHF, it is not anticipated that Ferrari will establish production in the US.

He added that the brand's reasons were important, but likely more so because it would necessitate the group to establish its supply chain locally, which seems unfeasible.

Ferrari customers are less price sensitive than most, and it's unclear how tariffs would impact demand, but one could reasonably assume that the group's luxury car competitors would face similar tariff treatment, Dick said.

'Porsche is a little bit different'

The prospect of additional U.S. duties was likely to be a "significant challenge" for Germany's Kepler Cheuvreux's Besson, according to a report.

Porsche, like Ferrari, has traditionally built its luxury models in Germany.

"Porsche is a little bit different," Morningstar's Suskin said.

"A 10% tariff could be passed on to customers, but larger tariffs, such as 30%, might be more challenging to pass on," she said.

"Porsche could leverage its parent company Volkswagen's spare capacity in the U.S. to create a production line, but it would require a significant capital expenditure."

Shares of Porsche are down around 26% year-to-date.

When reached by CNBC, a representative from Porsche was not immediately available to provide a comment.

by Sam Meredith

Business News