Class 8 Truck Orders

Dan Moyer, senior analyst, commercial vehicles, commented, “On September 25, President Trump announced on social media a 25% Section 232 tariff on imported heavy-duty trucks, effective October 1. However, no official details have been released from the U.S. government yet. It remains unclear when the tariff might be implemented and whether the tariff also covers medium-duty trucks, parts, or USMCA-compliant imports. The news has already rattled fleets, OEMs, and suppliers coping with weak demand, rising costs, and fragile supply chains. The tariff adds to an already difficult trade environment. Steel, aluminum, and copper duties remain at 50%, raising component costs, and reciprocal tariffs for major trading partners further complicate sourcing.

“The immediate effect will be higher truck prices, assuming the tariff is officially implemented. Imported Class 8 trucks will face a 25% surcharge, and U.S.-built models may see added costs from imported parts. Some fleets are likely to delay or cancel orders, boosting demand for used trucks as operators extend vehicle lifecycles. Reshoring may accelerate, but U.S. factories are hampered by labor constraints, high costs, and infrastructure limits. In the near term, the market faces higher prices, supply chain disruptions, and ongoing uncertainty.”