Trump Targets Imported Trucks with New 25% Tariff

In a bold move to strengthen domestic manufacturing, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on October 6, 2025, a 25% tariff on all medium- and heavy-duty trucks imported into the United States, effective November 1, 2025. The initiative is part of Trump’s “America First” policy, aimed at protecting American industry from foreign competition and boosting local production.

The tariff is expected to directly impact major truck-exporting countries, particularly Mexico, which has seen its heavy truck exports to the U.S. triple since 2019, reaching approximately 340,000 vehicles. The measure raises concerns over the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which allows trucks with at least 64% North American content to enter the U.S. tariff-free, while many Mexican trucks already contain around 50% American components.

American business groups have voiced apprehension, emphasizing that the main sources of imported trucks—Mexico, Canada, Japan, Germany, and Finland—are key allies or partners and do not pose a national security threat. Despite these concerns, the administration is moving forward with implementation, with discussions ongoing about potential exemptions for trucks that meet specific domestic content requirements.

This sweeping tariff signals a decisive stance by the U.S. to reinforce domestic manufacturing, but it also poses significant challenges for trade partners and supply chains closely tied to the American truck market.