In a new round of trade measures, President Donald Trump announced that all medium- and heavy-duty trucks imported into the United States will be subject to a 25% tariff under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, effective November 1, 2025.

The President made the announcement through a post on Truth Social, emphasizing that the move is aimed at strengthening domestic manufacturing and reducing reliance on foreign truck imports.

What’s Included

The 25% tariff applies to medium- and heavy-duty trucks imported into the United States, with implementation details still pending. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is expected to issue guidance in the coming weeks, clarifying:

  • Affected tariff classifications

  • Compliance procedures for importers

  • Any applicable exclusions or phase-in measures

Industry analysts suggest that parts or subassemblies for these vehicles could also be subject to review under the Section 232 framework, depending on their origin and assembly structure.

Industry Impact

The new tariff is expected to have far-reaching implications for manufacturers, importers, and logistics providers across North America.

  • Cost Increases: Importers should anticipate higher landed costs for trucks and truck chassis arriving after November 1.

  • Supply Chain Adjustments: Companies may explore relocating final assembly or component sourcing to U.S. or USMCA-partner facilities to minimize exposure.

  • Operational Delays: As CBP finalizes implementation guidance, importers could experience processing slowdowns during the transition period.

  • Market Shifts: Domestic manufacturers such as Freightliner, Kenworth, Peterbilt, and Mack could benefit from reduced import competition, while exporters in Mexico and Canada—key suppliers of U.S.-bound trucks—may see reduced volume.

Radius International continues to monitor tariff developments closely.
Our compliance and operations teams are ready to assist clients with:

  • Reviewing product classifications

  • Assessing tariff exposure

  • Exploring mitigation strategies

Radius International — keeping you informed, compliant, and moving forward.