Tesla Share Price Chart

Tesla shares fell almost 6% on Wednesday as data from Europe showed slowing sales last month. The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) data revealed that Tesla recorded a 40% over year drop in new vehicle registrations in Europe in February, while overall battery electric vehicle sales were up 26%. And the White House said on Wednesday that President Trump would announce new tariffs on auto imports. The next day General Motor plunged over 7% and Ford fell nearly 4% while Tela closed higher. Analysts note that tariffs on auto imports will likely not impact Tesla as much as other carmakers since Tesla's US-sold vehicles are made exclusively at the company's Fremont, California location or at Giga Austin in Texas. The company operates gigafactories in China and Germany but none of the EVs built there are sold in the US. Tesla had warned the previous week that tariffs could lead to retaliation from US export partners and higher prices for parts that can only be sourced internationally. Tariffs on US auto imports yield in higher car prices in US which will likely lead to lower car sales hence have bearish impact on automakers’ stock prices. At the same time, analysts note that Tesla may not be as much susceptible to negative impact from car import tariffs in the long run as others since the car maker is expected to benefit from easing of regulation on deploying robotaxis and self-driving technology at scale.