WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald J. Trump has signed a Proclamation invoking Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to impose new tariffs on imports of medium- and heavy-duty trucks, truck parts, and buses, citing threats to national and economic security, the White House announced Thursday.

The new policy introduces a 25% tariff on imports of Class 3–8 vehicles, including large pickup trucks, cargo trucks, dump trucks, and 18-wheeler tractors. It also places a 10% tariff on imported buses, such as school, transit, and motor coaches.

For vehicles that qualify under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), tariffs will only apply to the non-U.S. content of the vehicle. Non-USMCA imports will face tariffs on their entire value. The measure also applies to key truck parts — including engines, transmissions, tires, and chassis — unless they meet USMCA standards.

In addition, the proclamation introduces a domestic production offset, allowing U.S.-based truck and parts manufacturers to reduce their tariff burden by up to 3.75% of the value of trucks assembled domestically from 2025 through 2030.

The Department of Commerce’s Section 232 investigation concluded that reliance on foreign-made heavy trucks and parts, which now account for 43% of U.S. sales, “threatens to impair national security.” Officials cited concerns about the ability to supply essential equipment for military readiness, disaster response, and critical infrastructure during emergencies.

“Only factories here, on American soil, subject to American law, can provide that kind of reliable capacity,” the proclamation stated.

President Trump emphasized that the tariffs will “protect and expand domestic truck and bus manufacturing”, while reducing dependence on foreign suppliers for key components such as engines, batteries, and transmission shafts.

The new tariffs align with Trump’s broader “America First Trade Policy”, which has previously targeted steel, aluminum, copper, and autos under Section 232 measures.

According to The White House.

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