You might not think about medium and heavy-duty trucks being impacted by a truck import tariff, but that’s exactly what is happening.
Starting November 1, 2025, the U.S. slapped a 25% duty on imported medium and heavy-duty trucks and their parts. If you run a fleet or you’re in the market for a work truck, this policy shift is about to make things more expensive. American truck manufacturers might see less competition from imports, but buyers will feel it in their wallets. Here’s what’s actually happening and why it matters for anyone who depends on commercial trucks.
Everything gets more expensive, including commercial truck prices
If you feel a squeeze already because of the increased prices of consumer goods, the cost surge isn’t over. While delayed from its original date of October 1, 2025, the latest round of tariffs will hit commercial trucks, causing medium-duty trucks and heavy-duty trucks to cost more to purchase and operate. This means higher fleet costs, which, like everything else, will be passed on to the consumer. Although you might expect most of these commercial trucks to be built in America, that’s not always the case. This means higher costs for domestic manufacturing, shipping, and throughout the trucking industry.
When will the Trump tariffs of 2025 end?
For some, the answer is likely when the calendar flips to 2026, which means we’ll be in for another round of tariffs on goods in the New Year. Fleet costs are increasing under this new truck import tariff, which adds 25% to any commercial truck built outside the country. Some automakers have already begun working to ensure more manufacturing can be done domestically, but that doesn’t mean everything is tariff-free. These increased costs are not the answer that most people want to hear, especially after a lengthy government shutdown and so much turmoil over SNAP benefits. Of course, these tariffs were delayed by a month, but that doesn’t change things.
How does the new truck import tariff actually impact the trucking industry?
All major North American truck manufacturers have assembly locations in Mexico and the United States. They are global companies, but the parts of the trucks that will be subject to the new tariffs are those not manufactured or produced in Mexico and the United States. This means key parts, including engines, transmissions, tires, and chassis, could be impacted by the tariffs. That could mean the full value of these trucks won’t be impacted by the new tariffs, but it’s still a significant percentage and an increased tax on American consumers that isn’t necessary, especially considering the tariffs already imposed on most other products.
The new truck import tariff isn’t the only issue
The Trump Administration has utilized imposed tariffs in many ways, and several tariffs could impact the trucking industry, outside of the new whole-truck tariff that was recently imposed. Foreign steel and aluminum are already under a 50% tariff, and these materials are used in building truck parts and trailers. Considering semi-trucks need trailers to fill and haul around the country, these material costs can become problematic and cause trailers to cost more, which is just another tax that’s passed on to the consumer in the end.
Earlier tariffs are increasing costs
August was a rough month for tariffs, but it laid the groundwork for what we see today. Sweeping tariffs were announced and are higher for nearly every US trading partner than before. These tariffs took effect on August 7 and added increased costs to copper wire, tubing, sheeting, and other products that are used in building trucks, homes, and machinery. Tariffs have begun to have a negative impact on the economy because many analysts believe that a slowdown in job growth is being caused by tariffs. This means companies can’t have as many people working because they have to spend unnecessary money on tariffs.
The truck import tariff equals more increases in costs
Consumers have already felt the squeeze of the Trump tariffs, which have been sweeping and unpredictable in most cases. If you think grocery prices are up now, just wait and see how much more they increase as the truck import tariff begins to take effect. Every cost associated with consumer goods goes into the price of the items you buy at the grocery store, department store, or hardware store. Now that trucking costs are increasing through yet another tariff, you can expect to pay more than ever for items that you need every day.
When will it be enough, and will these unnecessary tariffs come to an end?
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