U.S. imposes tariffs on imported buses and trucks, citing "threat to national security" from foreign vehicle supply - Sustainable Bus

"Under the new rule, a 10 percent tariff will apply to all imported buses-including school, transit, and motorcoach types-while a 25 percent duty targets imported medium- and heavy-duty trucks and their parts. The measure takes effect on 1 November 2025. According to the White House, the policy aims to "fortify America's ability to manufacture medium- and heavy-duty trucks and buses," underlining the role these vehicles play in moving more than 70 percent of the nation's freight and ensuring continuity of critical infrastructure."

"Industry representatives have underlined the importance of the bus sector's separate treatment. According to ABC Companies, the North American importer of Van Hool coaches, the decision "provides long-awaited clarity" for the motorcoach segment. COO Jay Oakman described the measure as the outcome of sustained collaboration between manufacturers, associations, and policymakers to ensure adequate representation of the sector within trade policy."

The United States will impose a 10 percent tariff on imported buses and a 25 percent tariff on imported medium- and heavy-duty trucks and parts, effective 1 November 2025. The tariffs were authorized by a Presidential Proclamation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 based on a Department of Commerce finding of a national-security threat from foreign reliance for critical vehicle systems. The policy aims to fortify domestic manufacturing of buses and medium- and heavy-duty trucks that move over 70 percent of U.S. freight. Temporary exemptions for USMCA-compliant truck parts are included pending guidance on non-U.S. content calculation. Industry groups emphasized the separate treatment and welcomed clarity for motorcoach importers.

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