US tariffs on heavy trucks, buses come into effect

WASHINGTON — Fresh US tariffs on imports of medium- and heavy-duty trucks took effect today, although with partial relief for vehicles entering the country under a key North America trade agreement.

The 25-percent tariff on trucks, alongside a 10% duty on buses, comes into place after US President Donald Trump’s government launched a Section 232 probe into such imports to gauge their implications on national security.

The president has tapped such investigations, under the authority of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, to impose tariffs on various categories of goods in efforts to boost domestic manufacturing and punish countries deemed to be taking advantage of the United States.

The steel and aluminum sectors have also been hit — with 50% tariffs — as were autos with a 25% duty.

However, the latest truck tariffs will not stack on existing duties applying to steel, aluminum, copper, autos, and lumber, the White House said in October.

Trucks will be spared from separate “reciprocal” duties, setting out rates varying by trading partner, too.