Trump imposes 25% tariff on non-U.S. heavy trucks

President Donald Trump announced plans Thursday night to impose a 25 percent tariff on all heavy trucks not manufactured in the United States, with the levy set to take effect Oct. 1. In a Truth Social post, he said the tariff would 'protect our Great Heavy Truck Manufacturers from unfair outside competition' and argued it was necessary for national security and for the financial health of U.S. truckers.

Trump named major U.S. brands—Peterbilt, Kenworth, Freightliner and Mack Trucks—as beneficiaries of the policy, saying 'Our Great Large Truck Company Manufacturers' would be protected from the 'onslaught of outside interruptions.' He described the measure as aimed at heavy trucks from other parts of the world.

The tariff applies to heavy trucks not made in America, with enforcement slated for October 1. Details about exemptions or the scope of the measure beyond the general target were not immediately released, and there was no formal tariff legislation accompanying the post.

The announcement has been described in the notes as breaking news, with officials expected to provide more information as the situation develops. The policy underscores a protectionist posture toward the trucking sector, according to the timeline and language presented in the social post, but at this stage no further official confirmations or specifics have been issued by federal agencies.