Luxury carmaker Aston Martin is intensifying its efforts to lobby the UK Government as it faces mounting pressure from a new US tariff and quota system that threatens its competitiveness in a key export market
The US introduced a two-tier tariff structure for UK automotive imports at the end of June, placing a 10% tariff on up to 100,000 vehicles per year, while imposing a steep 27.5% tariff on any imports above that quota. The system, which was only formally announced a week before implementation, works on a “first come, first served” basis, allocating 25,000 vehicles per quarter under the lower rate.
Aston Martin, whose vehicles command an average price of £192,000 (excluding bespoke “Specials”), is now urging the UK Government to negotiate better terms to protect the country’s luxury automotive sector.
“The evolving and disruptive US tariff situation was unhelpful to our operations in Q2,” said Adrian Hallmark, CEO of Aston Martin. “We adjusted production and limited imports through April and May while awaiting confirmation of a trade agreement, leveraging dealer inventory in the US during that time.”
While shipments resumed in June following the agreement’s confirmation, Hallmark stressed the importance of improving the system to ensure “fair access for the whole UK car industry to the 10% rate on an ongoing basis.”
Despite the external challenges, the Gaydon-based manufacturer posted a 35% reduction in pre-tax losses, down to £141 million in the first half of 2025, largely thanks to decreased finance costs. The company remains optimistic about the second half of the year, projecting a significantly stronger performance led by the launch of key models like the Valhalla, Valkyrie LM, and its full lineup including the Vantage Roadster, Vanquish Volante, DBX S, and Vantage S.
The company has made a modest revision to its full-year outlook, now expecting adjusted EBIT to “improve towards breakeven,” and anticipates modest wholesale volume growth through the rest of the year.
As the UK automotive sector navigates increasing trade complexities, Aston Martin’s push for a fairer US quota system underscores the growing need for government support in international trade negotiations.
