President Donald Trump has instructed the Commerce Department to launch an investigation that could lead to new tariffs on medium- and heavy-duty trucks and their parts to protect national security, according to a document set to be published in the Federal Register this week.
The probe targets trucks that weigh more than 10,000 pounds, as well their parts and derivatives, which are primarily used to haul goods across long distances. It does not target lighter pickup trucks, which are more popular among consumers.
The decision sets the groundwork for greater tensions with Mexico and Canada, where the U.S. imports a significant share of its trucks, and could heighten costs of vehicles and their component parts, putting upward pressure on commercial shipping costs.
A pre-publication Federal Register notice posted on April 23 says the investigation started Tuesday. The full document is set to be published Friday, the notice says.
