U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on imported heavy-duty trucks, set to take effect October 1, citing national security and unfair competition.

This has sparked concern across North American supply chains, just as logistics companies brace for further peak season disruptions.

"In order to protect our Great Heavy Truck Manufacturers from unfair outside competition, I will be imposing, as of October 1st, 2025, a 25% Tariff on all 'Heavy (Big!) Trucks' made in other parts of the World," Trump posted on Truth Social, adding that this will "protect" American truck company manufacturers such as Peterbilt, Kenworth, Freightliner, Mack Trucks, and others, "from the onslaught of outside interruptions."

"We need our truckers to be financially healthy and strong, for many reasons, but above all else, for National Security purposes," he added.

Mexico, Canada, Japan, and Germany—top exporters of Class 8 trucks—face the brunt of the newly-announced tariff, with shares of Japan's Hino Motors and China's Sinotruk dipping amid fears of reduced U.S. demand. Previously, these heavy trucks imported into the U.S. were subject to a 0% duty.

Industry leaders also warn of delayed fleet upgrades and rising costs, which could strain port operations and lead to increased fees.

The American Trucking Association (ATA) said the latest move "will hit carriers hard." It noted that with operating margins already tight, many carriers are expected to delay new truck purchases or lengthen trade-in cycles—moves that could disrupt delivery timelines and strain port operations.

Mexico, the top exporter of heavy trucks to the U.S., cautioned that the tariff could disrupt an industry where vehicles already contain up to 50% U.S.-made components.

Meanwhile, port operators in Los Angeles and Houston anticipate higher fees as older trucks require more maintenance and longer dwell times.

Trump did not clarify which truck weight classes would be subject to the tariff. However, in April, the Department of Commerce began investigating how imports of medium- and heavy-duty trucks—and their parts—might impact national security.

In comments filed May 16, the American Trucking Associations (ATA) stated, "In general, ATA is opposed to this investigation and does not believe that the importation of heavy-duty trucks poses a national security threat."

The group emphasized that U.S. carriers source their heavy-duty tractors exclusively from the United States and Mexico. "There are virtually no other countries that export finished heavy-duty tractors into the U.S. market. As a United States, Mexico, Canada Agreement country, we do not believe Mexican truck production poses a national security risk to the U.S. In fact, truck production throughout North America is highly integrated," ATA added.