International automakers represented 76% of all affordable new vehicles sold in the U.S. last year, according to a report by Autos Drive America and the American International Automobile Dealers Association.

The 2026 Economic Impact Report classifies affordable vehicles as those priced at $35,000 or less. It said that international automakers offered 58 models at or below that threshold, leading affordability at a time when Americans are facing economic uncertainty.

2025 was marked by trade policy volatility as the Trump administration increased tariffs on imported passenger vehicles and light trucks and on imported auto parts and raw materials.

“Trade volatility created real headwinds for our industry in 2025 and the data shows it as exports declined,” said President and CEO of Autos Drive America Jennifer Safavian.

“These are the real-world consequences of policy uncertainty on American factories and workers. What this report also shows is that our members’ steadfast commitment to the United States cushioned that impact. Without it, the picture would look very different.”

Data shows that international automakers exported 751,000 U.S.-built vehicles, generating $30 billion in export value, down from the $31 billion the year before. Despite the decline, they produced 4.9 million light vehicles in their U.S. facilities, making up 49% of all U.S. vehicle production and achieving 58% of U.S. new-vehicle sales.

They also led electric-vehicle sales, according to the report, holding 66% of the U.S. market share of EVs sold.

“International nameplate dealerships are woven into the fabric of communities across America,” said AIADA president and CEO Cody Lusk. “With 9,375 franchise locations and more than 570,000 direct employees, these dealers account for more than half of all U.S. dealership jobs.”

AIADA is a trade group representing U.S. dealers of international auto brands and focuses on free trade.