The U.S. Commerce Department announced on Wednesday the initiation of a national security investigation under Section 232 into imports of medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks and related parts.
The outcome of the probe could justify the imposition of new tariffs on work trucks, buses, vans, and other large vehicles.
The move is likely to impact key trading partners, with Mexico standing to be the hardest hit. A study released in January highlighted that U.S. imports of medium- and heavy-duty trucks from Mexico have tripled since 2019, making it the largest exporter of such vehicles to the United States.
Canada and Japan are also among the major exporters in this segment.
The investigation will assess whether the current levels of imports pose a threat to national security. The Commerce Department is currently soliciting public comments through mid-May. Stakeholders are encouraged to provide input on the ability of domestic manufacturers to meet U.S. demand, the concentration of imports from a limited number of suppliers, and the impact of “foreign unfair trade practices and state-sponsored overproduction” on pricing.
This latest development follows a series of recent trade measures by U.S. President Donald Trump. Earlier this month, he imposed a 25% tariff on light-duty vehicles and announced plans to extend a similar 25% tariff to imported auto parts by May 3. The auto industry has voiced strong opposition, urging the administration to reconsider the planned tariffs on parts.
As the investigation proceeds, businesses and international trade partners are closely monitoring potential implications for the automotive and transportation sectors.
