US President Donald Trump on Monday announced a 25% tariff on all medium and heavy-duty trucks imported into the United States, effective November 1, 2025, as part of his administration’s ongoing push to boost domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.

“Beginning November 1st, 2025, all Medium and Heavy Duty Trucks coming into the United States from other Countries will be Tariffed at the Rate of 25%. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social.

Trump had earlier suggested the new duties would take effect on October 1, but the timeline was later pushed back. The measure marks the latest in a series of trade protection steps introduced by the administration.

Part of Trump’s wider tariff strategy

According to a Bloomberg report, the new import duties are part of an expanding trade agenda aimed at protecting US industries deemed crucial to national security. The move follows an April probe by the US Commerce Department under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, which allows tariffs on products vital to national defense.

The investigation had found that a “small number” of foreign suppliers dominated the market for medium- and heavy-duty trucks weighing over 10,000 pounds, often engaging in “predatory trade practices.”

Broader wave of new tariffs

Last month, Trump announced a series of additional import tariffs — including 100% on pharmaceutical products, 50% on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities, and 30% on upholstered furniture — all set to take effect in October 2025.

At the time, Trump said the 25% tariff on trucks would help protect leading American manufacturers such as Peterbilt, Kenworth, Freightliner, and Mack Trucks.

“In order to protect our Great Heavy Truck Manufacturers from unfair outside competition, I will be imposing a 25% Tariff,” Trump had said earlier, calling it essential for keeping America’s truckers “financially healthy and strong” for national security purposes.

Critics warn of rising costs

While Trump has defended his protectionist measures as necessary to strengthen domestic production, critics and trade analysts warn that higher import duties could raise costs for consumers and businesses that rely on imported components.

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, speaking last week, described US tariffs as “unfair,” while noting that efforts were ongoing to resolve trade issues through diplomatic engagement.