The tariffs are expected to shrink the supply of less expensive vehicles. Nearly 80 percent of cars priced at less than $30,000 will be subject to 25 percent tariffs, including popular vehicles like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Chevrolet Trax, according to Cox Automotive.

A 25% import tax on engines, transmissions and other key car parts has come into force in the US, raising pressure on an industry finding its way through a thicket of policy changes. The new tariff comes days after Donald Trump eased the measure in response to business worries,

"The industry and the entire economy is in for pain," leading analyst says of Trump's orders, signed as he appeared in Michigan.