Trump Administration Launches Trade Investigation Into Trucks, Truck Parts

The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) has initiated an investigation into the national security impact imports of medium and heavy trucks, parts for such goods, and their derivative products, under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. The investigation notice was published April 25. Interested parties have 21 days, or until May 16, to file comments with the DOC regarding the national security effects of these imports and the actions they would like the Trump administration to take to counter such effects.

The new investigations follow recently announced and ongoing Section 232 investigations into imports of pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and critical minerals, along with passenger vehicles, light trucks, and certain automotive parts. The new investigation covers trucks with a gross vehicle weight of more than 10,000 pounds. Covered parts include engines and engine parts, transmissions and powertrain parts, and electrical components for trucks with a gross vehicle weight of more than 10,000 pounds. Click this link to learn how to submit public comments.

In particular, the DOC would like interested parties to address:

• Current and projected U.S. demand for covered trucks and truck parts;
• The extent to which domestic production can meet domestic demand;
• The role of foreign supply chains, particularly of major exporters, in meeting U.S. demand for covered trucks parts;
• The concentration of U.S. imports of trucks and truck parts from a small number of suppliers and the associated risks of concentrated supply;
• The impact of foreign government subsidies and predatory trade practices on the competitiveness of the U.S. medium- and heavy-duty truck industry;
• The economic impact of artificially suppressed prices of trucks and truck parts due to foreign unfair trade practices and state-sponsored overproduction;
• Potential export restrictions imposed by foreign countries, including those countries’ ability to weaponize their control over supplies of trucks and truck parts;
• The feasibility of increasing domestic capacity for trucks and truck parts to reduce import reliance;
• The impact of current trade policies on domestic production of these products; and
• Whether additional measures, including tariffs or quotas, are necessary to protect national security.