Daijiworld Media Network – Washington

Washington, Oct 7: US President Donald Trump on Monday announced that a 25% tariff will be imposed on medium- and heavy-duty trucks imported into the United States starting November 1, 2025, marking another expansion of his protectionist trade policy aimed at boosting domestic industries.

The move follows an intense lobbying campaign by major automakers in Detroit, who had earlier appealed for a delay citing concerns over economic impact. Trump had initially proposed the tariff to begin on October 1, but the start date was pushed back after consultations.

“Beginning November 1st, 2025, all Medium and Heavy Duty Trucks coming into the United States from other countries will be tariffed at the rate of 25%,” Trump posted on social media, without offering further details.

The decision stems from a Commerce Department probe launched in April under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, which permits tariffs on imports deemed critical to national security. The investigation found that a small number of foreign suppliers dominated US imports, allegedly due to “predatory trade practices.”

The new levies are expected to affect global truck manufacturers such as Daimler Truck Holding AG’s Freightliner, Volvo Group’s Mack Trucks Inc., and Paccar Inc.’s Peterbilt and Kenworth. According to Commerce Department data, the US imported around 245,000 medium- and heavy-duty trucks worth over $20 billion last year.

International Motors LLC (formerly Navistar) is among the most dependent on imports, with nearly 98% of its trucks coming from Mexico, while Daimler imports about 83%. In contrast, Paccar and Volvo produce most of their trucks domestically.

Supporters of the move, including Nick Iacovella of the Coalition for a Prosperous America, hailed the tariff as “a huge win for American workers and manufacturers.” He said the action would “strengthen this vital sector and protect it from unfair foreign competition.”

Critics, however, warn that the measure could further strain an industry already hit by tariffs on steel and aluminum and facing stricter environmental regulations.

The heavy truck tariffs are part of a broader wave of industry-specific trade measures under Trump’s administration. Tariffs on steel, aluminum, copper, automobiles, and auto parts are already in place, while new duties on softwood timber, furniture, and wood products are slated for October 14, with further hikes expected in January.

Additionally, the administration is pursuing Section 232 investigations into imports of solar panels, semiconductors, critical minerals, robotics, and medical devices.

These targeted tariffs also offer Trump greater flexibility amid ongoing legal challenges to his broader country-level duties under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The US Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments on the matter on November 5.