U.S. imposes tariffs on imported buses and trucks, citing “threat to national security” from foreign vehicle supply

The United States administration has announced a new tariff framework covering imports of buses, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, and related components. The measure follows a Presidential Proclamation signed on 17 October 2025 by President Donald J. Trump under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, invoking national-security grounds.

The White House document and accompanying Fact Sheet describe how the decision stems from a Department of Commerce investigation completed earlier in 2025, which identified a “threat to national security” arising from reliance on foreign manufacturing for critical vehicle systems.

Tariff on buses and components imported in USA

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 proclamation also introduces temporary exemptions for USMCA-compliant truck parts, pending further guidance from the Department of Commerce and U.S. Customs on how to calculate non-U.S. content. The intent, according to official sources, is to preserve North American supply-chain integration while encouraging local sourcing and production.