We wanted to share some important insights regarding tariffs and the growing impact they may have on the aftermarket performance parts industry, particularly as they relate to wheels, body components, and other essential upgrades.

What Are Tariffs?

Tariffs are taxes imposed by governments on imported goods. They’re often used to protect domestic industries or as part of broader trade negotiations. Over the past few years, the U.S. has enacted various tariffs—particularly on goods imported from countries like China—which affect a wide range of automotive components.

How This Impacts Our Industry

Tariffs on imported automotive products are beginning to impact the aftermarket performance parts industry, including wheels, body components, and other exterior upgrades.

One of our trusted manufacturers, ACS (Advanced Composite Specialties), has officially announced that a tariff surcharge will be added to their product pricing. This includes popular body components such as:

• • • Hoods
      
      
    • Splitters
      
      
    • Diffusers
      
      
    • Spoilers
      
      

We anticipate other brands will follow suit soon, particularly those with manufacturing ties overseas.

Brands Possibly Affected

Many well-known names in the aftermarket industry source parts or materials from tariff-impacted countries, including:

• • • MRR Wheels
      
      
    • Holley Performance Products
      
      
    • Edelbrock
      
      
    • MagnaFlow
      
      
    • Mishimoto
      
      
    • AEM Induction Systems
      
      
    • American Racing (wheels)
      
      
    • ACS and EOS (body components)
      
      
    • Vossen Wheels
      
      

These companies either manufacture overseas or source key materials internationally, which places them directly in the path of tariff-related price hikes.  Even if these companies haven’t announced increases yet, many in the industry are preparing for rising import and production costs—which will likely lead to retail price jumps in the coming weeks or months.

How Tariffs Affect These Companies

• • • Cost Increases: Tariffs (especially the Section 301 tariffs on Chinese imports) drive up the cost of importing wheels, which impacts wholesale and retail prices.
      
      
    • Supply Chain Shifts: Some brands are exploring moving production to non-tariffed countries or reshoring to mitigate impact—but these changes are costly and time-consuming.
      
      
    • Limited SKUs or Delays: Brands may prioritize popular models, reducing variety or delaying product updates.
      
      

What This Means for Consumers

Ultimately, these cost increases often trickle down to the customer. Here’s how:

• • • Higher Retail Prices: As companies attempt to offset rising import costs, consumers may see noticeable price increases on wheels, body kits, intakes, and other popular mods.
      
      
    • Product Delays or Shortages: Some manufacturers may reduce inventory, delay releases, or limit production of certain product lines due to increased operational costs.
      
      
    • Tougher Budget Decisions: With prices climbing, many enthusiasts may delay purchases or settle for lower-tier parts—potentially impacting overall industry sales.
      
      

Why You Should Act Now

If you've been eyeing new wheels, a carbon fiber hood, or body kit upgrades—now is the time to order. Buying ahead of these changes means:

✅ Locking in current pricing
✅ Avoiding potential 10–25% tariff-driven markups
✅ Ensuring availability before supply chain slowdowns

⚡ Shop Now to Lock in Today’s Pricing

Don’t wait for prices to go up. Inventory is limited and once new shipments arrive, they may come with new pricing.

Thank you for choosing Phastek for your performance and styling needs.

— The Phastek Team