##  [# Trump Tariffs: Tesla Zooms While Ford and GM Reverse](/sections/data-dive/trump-tariffs-tesla-zooms-while-ford-and-gm-reverse) 

 

# Trump Tariffs: Tesla Zooms While Ford and GM Reverse

 

 

Tesla stock accelerates amid auto sector turbulence as President Trump's new tariff policy favors U.S. vehicles over imports.



 

 

 

 

 [![DJ](/sites/default/files/styles/author_image_icon/public/2024-07/5.png?itok=LA-jevm_)](/authors/dj-shaw) 

[By DJ Shaw ](/authors/dj-shaw)

 Mar 27, 2025

 Edited by: David Tony

 

 

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Automotive stocks experienced dramatic shifts Thursday following the latest round of Trump tariffs on imported vehicles, continuing a months-long pattern of volatility that has divided the sector and reshaped transportation ETF returns.

[Tesla Inc. (TSLA)](/stock/tsla) shares climbed 2.3% after the White House [revealed](https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/03/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-adjusts-imports-of-automobiles-and-automobile-parts-into-the-united-states/) that all vehicles not manufactured in the United States would face steep 25% tariffs starting in early April.

The ongoing tariff saga has created a stark performance gap between ETFs with Tesla exposure and those heavily weighted toward traditional automakers, showing how changing trade policies are now driving stock prices across the auto industry.

[General Motors Co. (GM)](/stock/gm) took a heavy hit, with shares dropping 6.7% as the market reacted to the company's vulnerability to cross-border manufacturing disruptions.

## Trump Tariffs Reshape Auto ETF Landscape

The [**First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF (FTXR)**](/ftxr) has struggled amid the trade tensions, falling 5.1% over the past month and 12.8% over the past three months, according to etf.com data.

Despite having Tesla as its fourth-largest holding at 7.8% of assets, FTXR's performance has been weighed down by its larger positions in [Ford Motor Co. (F)](/stock/f) and General Motors, which represent 9.1% and 8.7% of the fund, respectively.

Ford shares dropped 2.4% on Thursday's news, extending a pattern of volatility that has plagued automakers with mixed domestic and international production footprints.

The [**iShares U.S. Manufacturing ETF (MADE)**](/made) has weathered the tariff uncertainty somewhat better, declining 2.1% over the past month and 5% over the past three months.

MADE's more diverse manufacturing sector exposure, including top holdings [Amphenol Corp. (APH)](https://stock/aph) (4.2%), General Motors (4.1%) and [Honeywell International Inc. (HON)](/stock/hon) (4%), has provided some insulation from the worst of the auto-specific tariff impacts.

 
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## Tesla Funds Show Volatility

The specialized [**Battleshares TSLA vs F ETF (ELON)**](/elon), which employs a long Tesla and short Ford strategy, has experienced extreme volatility during the tariff discussions. Despite initially surging more than 16% on Thursday's news, the relatively new fund remains down 26.9% over the past month as tariff policies have fluctuated.

Similarly, the [**Simplify Volt TSLA Revolution ETF (TESL)**](/TESL) rose 4.4% on Thursday but has fallen 31.7% over the past three months despite posting a 65.9% gain over the past year.

![](/sites/default/files/inline-images/bsnhfj_0.PNG)*Source: etf.com Compare ETFs tool. Data as of 03/26/25.*

*Comparing ETFs is essential for identifying the right investment that aligns with your risk tolerance, time horizon and financial goals. The ETF Comparison Tool at etf.com eliminates guesswork by offering a clear, side-by-side breakdown of critical metrics.* [*Give it a try right here.*](https://www.etf.com/tools/etf-comparison)

Tesla's domestic manufacturing strategy offers protection from tariff impacts that have hit competitors with global supply chains, coming just weeks after Tesla CEO Elon Musk enjoyed high-profile support when President Donald Trump promoted the brand during an event at the White House.

*When you're ready to dive into the data yourself, be sure check out etf.com's full suite of data-driven ETF research tools.* [*Click here to learn more.*](https://www.etf.com/tools)



 

 

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 [ DJ Shaw Finance Reporter ](/authors/dj-shaw) 

 

 

  A graduate of The University of Texas, Arlington with a BA in Communications, DJ has covered retirement plans, mortgage news, and financial advisor…   [View Bio](/authors/dj-shaw)

 



 

 


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