U.S. light vehicle sales in May recorded their steepest decline in five years, according to data released Tuesday by industry analytics firm Wards Intelligence. The data revealed that the seasonally adjusted annual rate of light vehicle sales fell sharply to 15.65 million units in May, down from a revised 17.25 million in April and 17.83 million in March. This marked the steepest monthly decline since April 2020. The U.S. government's 25 percent tariff on imported cars took effect on April 3. Analysts believe that many American consumers rushed to purchase vehicles in March and April ahead of the anticipated price hikes, contributing to the sharp decline in sales observed in May. SHOTLIST: Beijing, China - June 3, 2025 1. Graphic showing U.S. light vehicle sales; FILE: Washington D.C., USA - Oct 2024 2. Various of White House, U.S. national flag; FILE: Los Angeles, USA - Nov 21, 2024 3. Various of vehicles of Jeep, Cadillac, Buick, Dodge on display; FILE: Detroit, Michigan, USA - Jan 10, 2025 4. Various of Chevrolet electric vehicles on display; FILE: Detroit, USA - July 2018 5. Various of UAW-Ford National Programs Center building, sign; U.S. national flags; 6. Ford sign at roadside; FILE: Detroit, Michigan, USA - June 5, 2019 7. Various of General Motor (GM) headquarters; FILE: New York, USA - Oct 2024 8. Various of traffic. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]