Trump announces 25 percent tariffs on imported trucks from November
US President Donald Trump has announced new 25 percent import tariffs on medium- and heavy-duty trucks from abroad, effective from November 1. The measure aims to protect national security and shield domestic manufacturers from unfair competition. Vehicles from Mexico will be particularly affected.
US President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on imported trucks via his social network. 'From November 1, all medium- and heavy-duty trucks imported into the US from other countries will be subject to a 25 percent tariff,' he wrote. Trump justified the tariffs once again on grounds of national security.
This follows a previous 25 percent tariff on heavy-duty trucks effective from October 1. The new tariffs target larger vehicles such as delivery trucks, tractor-trailers, special vehicles, buses, and garbage trucks, which are not designed for heavy hauling. In announcing the October tariffs, Trump emphasized that the measures would benefit US manufacturers like Peterbilt, Kenworth, and Freightliner. Freightliner is a subsidiary of Daimler Truck. He argued that US trucking companies need to remain financially strong for national security reasons.
Most affected vehicles come from Mexico. Stellantis, the parent company of Chrysler, could also be impacted, as it produces delivery vans and large pickups there. The company had lobbied the White House against high tariffs on these vehicles.
The US Chamber of Commerce has sharply criticized the tariffs. It urged the Commerce Department to abandon them, noting that the trucks mainly originate from allies like Mexico, Canada, Japan, Germany, and Finland, which pose no threat to US security. For light commercial vehicles like smaller vans, the US had agreed with Japan and the EU on a 15 percent tariff; it remains unclear if this applies to heavier models.
Since taking office, Trump has imposed various tariffs, including recently up to 50 percent on furniture and 100 percent on medicines.