In brief: tariffs, autonomous trucks and clean air regulations

ATA urges avoiding tariffs on the import of medium and heavy trucks

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce have expressed their opposition to a proposed federal investigation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. This investigation, announced on April 23, seeks to determine whether the import of medium and heavy trucks and their parts poses a threat to national security. Both organizations argue that no such risk exists and warn that such an investigation could have negative economic consequences.

The ATA argues that imposing new tariffs as a result of this investigation would significantly increase the cost of trucks, directly impacting transportation companies. According to the organization, heavy-duty tractors sold in the U.S. come exclusively from the United States and Mexico—partners in the USMCA agreement—and their production is highly integrated, posing no threat to national security.

Moreover, the ATA stated that trucking companies cannot easily absorb these additional costs or pass them on to their customers. This would lead to a reduction in the purchase of new trucks and an extension of replacement cycles, which in turn would result in a drop in the production of vehicles and parts in both the U.S. and Mexico, affecting the industry and the supply chain as a whole.

Finally, the ATA emphasized that fleet renewal with more modern trucks is not only an economic necessity but also a safety measure. With the current cost of a Class 8 truck hovering around $170,000, a 25% tariff would raise that price to $224,000—a price deemed prohibitive for most companies. For this reason, the association urges the government not to proceed with the investigation or the possible imposition of new tariffs.