SECTION 232 INVESTIGATION OF MEDIUM- AND HEAVY-TRUCK: SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES
On April 22, 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce formally initiated a Section 232 investigation to evaluate the impact of imported medium-duty trucks, heavy-duty trucks, and related parts on national security. The inquiry, authorized under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, will assess whether current levels of foreign-sourced vehicles and components compromise the health and competitiveness of the domestic industrial base.
A Federal Register notice published today, April 25, notes that the investigation covers trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) above 10,000 pounds—including all components and systems necessary for their operation, such as engines, transmissions, powertrain parts, and electrical equipment. The Department will examine both finished vehicles and truck parts sourced internationally. The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), operating under the Office of Strategic Industries and Economic Security, will lead the review.
SECTION 232 PUBLIC COMMENT OPEN: IMPACT OF MEDIUM- AND HEAVY-DUTY TRUCK IMPORTS
Stakeholders are encouraged to submit written comments, data, or technical analysis for consideration to the BIS.
BIS seeks input on the following factors:
- Current and projected U.S. demand for trucks and truck parts
- Domestic production capacity and its ability to meet national requirements
- The role and reliability of foreign supply chains
- Import concentration risks tied to a limited number of international suppliers
- Foreign subsidies and potential predatory trade practices
- Price impacts from state-supported overproduction abroad
- Potential for foreign export restrictions or geopolitical leverage over truck-related trade
- Viability of expanding domestic manufacturing capacity
- Effects of existing trade policy and consideration of additional protective measures
Submissions must be received by May 16, 2025, through the federal rulemaking portal at www.regulations.gov (Docket ID: BIS-2025-0024; Reference: XRIN 0694-XC125). This review follows a pattern of increased scrutiny over critical manufacturing sectors and supply chain dependencies, especially where national security or economic resilience may be at stake.
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