The Trump administration is conducting the truck import investigation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which authorizes the president to adjust imports that threaten national security1. The Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) will examine whether domestic manufacturers can meet U.S. demand and evaluate the risk of foreign nations "weaponizing their control over supplies of trucks and truck parts" through export restrictions2.

This investigation specifically targets trucks exceeding 10,000 pounds along with their parts and derivatives23. The process typically takes 270 days to complete, though the administration has sought to expedite trade actions2. Once the investigation concludes, the Commerce Secretary will provide a report to the President, who then has 90 days to determine whether to take action, potentially including tariffs or quotas14. This truck probe joins other recent Section 232 investigations into semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and critical minerals as the administration increasingly relies on this legal mechanism for imposing trade restrictions54.

The Commerce Department's investigation specifically targets medium-duty trucks (10,000-26,000 pounds GVW) and heavy-duty trucks (26,001+ pounds GVW), along with their components including engines, transmissions, and electrical systems.12 Unlike passenger vehicles and light trucks that already face a 25% tariff implemented on April 3, 2025, medium and heavy-duty commercial vehicles were initially excluded from those earlier tariff actions.3 Currently, imported trucks face a 25% duty rate based on price paid, compared to 2.5% for automobiles.4

The investigation will examine several critical factors, including domestic production capacity, foreign supply chain dependencies, and potential national security risks from concentrated imports.15 According to S&P Global Mobility, nearly one-third of new Class 4-8 trucks sold in the U.S. are imported from Canada and Mexico, with over 40% of Class 8 trucks coming from these countries.6 Any new tariffs resulting from this investigation could significantly impact foreign truck manufacturers like Daimler Truck, Volvo Group, and Volkswagen's Traton, while potentially benefiting U.S.-based manufacturers like PACCAR.57

The Commerce Department's investigation specifically targets trucks with gross vehicle weights between 10,001 and 26,000 pounds (medium-duty) and over 26,001 pounds (heavy-duty), along with their components including engines, transmissions, powertrains, and electrical systems.12 Unlike the previously announced 25% tariffs on passenger vehicles and light trucks that took effect April 3, this probe examines whether foreign suppliers dominate U.S. imports through government subsidies and "predatory trade practices," potentially threatening national security.34 The investigation will assess whether domestic producers can meet U.S. demand and evaluate risks of foreign nations "weaponizing their control over supplies of trucks and truck parts."41

• The probe could significantly impact the commercial vehicle market, as nearly one-third of new Class 4-8 trucks sold in the U.S. are imported from Canada and Mexico, with over 40% of Class 8 trucks coming from these countries.5

• Industry analysts warn that manufacturers have "little or no" capacity to absorb a 25% cost increase, potentially driving up prices for U.S. commercial vehicle buyers by approximately 9%.5

• Foreign truck manufacturers potentially affected include Daimler Truck, Volvo Group, and Volkswagen Group's Traton, while U.S.-based PACCAR could benefit from any resulting tariffs.26