The White House has announced sweeping new import tariffs on heavy-duty trucks, pharmaceuticals, and furniture, signaling another major escalation in U.S. trade policy ahead of year-end negotiations.
Starting October 1, 2025, imported heavy trucks will face a 25% tariff, a move the administration says is intended to “strengthen domestic manufacturing and reduce unfair competition.”
The U.S. is the world’s largest importer of commercial trucks, with Mexico, Canada, Japan, Germany, and Turkey serving as the top suppliers, according to the International Trade Administration. The new duties are designed to encourage onshore production and investment, though it remains unclear whether the tariffs will also apply to trucks manufactured in North America under United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) compliance.
Industry analysts warn the measure could raise production costs for U.S. truck makers and disrupt long-established supply chains. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has previously cautioned against applying tariffs to imports from close allies, noting that such measures could penalize companies that have already invested heavily in reshoring and compliance efforts.
“The top five import sources—Mexico, Canada, Japan, Germany, and Finland—are allies or close partners of the United States posing no threat to national security,” the Chamber said earlier this year. “Manufacturers should not be penalized with tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada after making significant investments to overcome supply chain challenges.”
The announcement comes as Class 8 truck orders—the heavy-duty models used in freight and logistics—have been trending downward. According to ACT Research, orders in August were down 24% year-over-year, a sign of weakened demand and tighter fleet replacement cycles.
In addition to the new truck tariffs, the administration also introduced a 100% levy on patented and branded drug imports, unless manufacturers establish production facilities in the United States. A 50% tariff was also set on kitchen and bathroom cabinet imports, citing “market flooding” from foreign suppliers.
The combination of these measures marks one of the most significant trade actions in recent months, further reshaping the manufacturing landscape and heightening uncertainty for global supply chains already adjusting to shifting U.S. trade policy.
