Commerce Raises Security Risks With Truck Imports

The Commerce Department is investigating the national security implications of imported trucks and truck parts.

An April 25 Federal Register notice raised the specter that foreign trading partners could “weaponize” their control over the market or engage in “predatory trade practices” that affect domestic manufacturers’ competitiveness.

To address these concerns, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick opened an investigation April 22 “to determine the effects on the national security of imports of medium-duty trucks, heavy-duty trucks, and medium- and heavy-duty truck parts, and their derivative products,” according to the notice.

The investigation was initiated under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which the administration has previously used to institute certain tariffs on other countries.

As part of its investigation, the Commerce Department is seeking public comment on some of the issues at play, including, but not limited to:

• Current and projected demand for trucks and truck parts in the U.S.
• Whether domestic truck and truck parts production can meet domestic demand
• The impact foreign supply chains have on U.S. demand
• Whether the concentration of U.S. imports of trucks and truck parts poses a risk
• The effects of predatory trading practices and foreign governments subsidies on U.S. production
• The economic impact of artificially suppressed prices causes by unfair trade practices and state-sponsored overproduction
• Whether foreign governments could weaponize their control over vehicles and parts via export restrictions
• The likelihood the U.S. could increase domestic production to reduce its reliance on imports
• The impact of trade policies on domestic production of trucks and truck parts
• Whether tariffs, quotas or other measures are needed to protect national security

Comments on these and other relevant aspects of this topic can be submitted through regulations.gov using the notice ID: BIS-2025-0024.