Investigation launched into national security risk of imported commercial trucks and parts

Federal authorities announced the launch of an investigation into the national security implications of importing medium and heavy-duty trucks and truck parts.

In a Notice scheduled to publish in the Federal Register on April 25, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security announced plans to investigate “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.”

As part of the investigation, authorities are accepting public comment from interested parties, with commenters asked to weigh in on the following topics:

1. The current and projected demand for trucks and truck parts in the United States
2. The extent to which domestic production of trucks and truck parts can meet domestic demand
3. The role of foreign supply chains, particularly of major exporters, in meeting United States demand for trucks and truck parts
4. The concentration of United States imports of trucks and truck parts from a small number of suppliers and the associated risks
5. The impact of foreign government subsidies and predatory trade practices on the competitiveness of the medium- and heavy-duty truck industry in the United States
6. The economic impact of artificially suppressed prices of trucks and truck parts due to foreign unfair trade practices and state-sponsored overproduction
7. The potential for export restrictions by foreign nations, including the ability of foreign nations to weaponize their control over supplies of trucks and truck parts
8. The feasibility of increasing domestic capacity for trucks and truck parts to reduce import reliance
9. The impact of current trade policies on domestic production of trucks and truck parts, and whether additional measures, including tariffs or quotas, are necessary to protect national security
10. Any other relevant factors

For the purpose of the investigation, “medium-duty trucks” means trucks with a gross vehicle weight of more than 10,000 and under 26,001 pounds. The term “heavy-duty trucks” means trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more. The term “medium- and heavy-duty truck parts” refers to the individual components and systems of medium- and heavy-duty trucks, including engines and engine parts, transmissions and powertrain parts, and electrical components.

You can comment on the Notice after it is published in the Federal Register by following this link.