Tesla (TSLA, Financials) has quietly stopped taking new orders for its Model S and Model X in China, just as tensions between Washington and Beijing reignite over tariffs. Chinese users visiting Tesla's website and WeChat mini program on Friday found both models unavailable, according to checks by Reuters.

The move came after China slapped a 125% tariff on U.S.-made cars, responding to President Donald Trump's decision to hike duties on Chinese goods to 145%. Tesla didn't offer an explanation and didn't respond to a request for comment.

Both models are built in the United States and shipped to China. But they play a minor role in Tesla's business there — just 1,553 Model X and 311 Model S units were imported in 2024, making up less than 0.5% of the company's global deliveries, which topped 657,000 last year.

Most of Tesla's success in China rides on its Shanghai-made Model 3 and Model Y, which dominate local sales and are also exported to Europe. That production base has helped the company avoid some of the trade crossfire hitting other automakers.

Still, Tesla isn't immune. It's feeling the heat from domestic rivals like BYD (BYDDY, Financials), which continue to grab market share. Deliveries of Tesla's premium lineup — the Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck — dropped 25% globally in the first quarter. Analysts point to the lack of updates and growing backlash over CEO Elon Musk's political presence.

With tariffs rising and competition intensifying, Tesla's China strategy is facing some serious roadblocks — and the timing couldn't be worse.