Tesla Plans to Reintegrate Chinese Components for U.S. Cybercab and Semi Builds, Source Claims

14.05.2025

Tesla is preparing to resume shipments of components from China to the United States for the production of its Cybercab and Semi models by the end of May, according to a source familiar with the matter. The decision follows a recent agreement between the U.S. and China to ease tariffs, marking a significant shift in the ongoing trade tensions.

The development reflects the immediate impact of the trade truce reached during talks in Geneva over the weekend. The rollback of key tariffs and related trade barriers is allowing companies like Tesla to reactivate suspended plans, including the sourcing of vital parts from China for its upcoming electric vehicle lines.

Last month, Tesla paused plans to import components after U.S. President Donald Trump raised tariffs on Chinese goods to 145%, casting uncertainty over the production timelines of the highly anticipated models. The recent agreement, however, provides Tesla with a clearer path to proceed, though insiders caution that policy changes remain a risk under the current administration.

Tesla is targeting trial production of the Cybercab and Semi trucks in October, with full-scale manufacturing expected in 2026. The Cybercab is slated for production in Texas, while the Semi will be assembled in Nevada. The company has also been seeking regulatory approval for a fleet of autonomous Cybercabs, aiming to launch the service at a competitive price under $30,000.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has repeatedly criticized tariffs, advocating for free trade. He previously urged President Trump to reconsider the levies, citing their impact on U.S. manufacturing and Tesla’s supply chain. CFO Vaibhav Taneja also noted that the restrictions were delaying capital investments due to the reliance on imported equipment, especially from China.