Trump Strikes Again: Truck Tariffs Escalate, Import Costs Surge

To boost U.S. manufacturing, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that will take effect on November 1, imposing new tariffs on heavy-duty trucks, medium-duty trucks, and buses. The move aims to reduce reliance on imported vehicles and parts while encouraging production inside the United States.

What’s Changing

• Heavy and medium trucks: 25% import tariff

• Buses: 10% import tariff

• Key parts like engines, transmissions, tires, and chassis will also face the 25% rate

These tariffs cover Class 3 to Class 8 vehicles — from school buses and city transit buses to pickup trucks, dump trucks, and 18-wheelers.

Why Truck Tariffs Matters

The White House says the goal is national security. Trucks carry over 70% of U.S. freight, moving food, fuel, and medical supplies nationwide. Because many of these vehicles are imported, the administration wants to ensure the U.S. can build and supply its own fleets in times of crisis.

Relief Measures

To soften the impact, companies that qualify under the U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) can apply for tariff reductions. Manufacturers that assemble vehicles in the U.S. will also get 3.75% in annual tariff relief for five years, up to a total of 18.75%.

Broader Impact

The order also allows a partial cut to steel and aluminum tariffs—but only for producers in Canada or Mexico supplying U.S. truck and car manufacturers.

In the short term, the higher truck tariffs will likely raise vehicle, transport, and logistics costs, eventually pushing up prices for goods like food, fuel, and daily necessities. Longer term, it’s designed to push manufacturing back to America and reduce supply chain dependence on imports.