Washington's new tariffs disrupt heavy truck production networks
Ilkhan Ozsevim Assistant Editor
Published 30 September 2025
In a peculiar twist, the tariff may generate a short-term spike in sales as buyers rush to purchase inventory manufactured before 1st October. Avery Vise, Vice President of Trucking at FTR, suggested that given current elevated retail inventories, such acceleration could prove significant despite weak freight market conditions. "At a minimum, though, truck owners that need to replace equipment soon will likely accelerate their purchasing," he observed.
Once existing inventory depletes, however, the tariff becomes simply another barrier to equipment acquisition in an already challenging environment. Truck and trailer payments reached record levels last year, jumping nearly 9% over 2023, according to ATRI research. Manufacturing output has likewise shown signs of strain, with monthly shipment values declining modestly through 2025 after tripling from pandemic-era lows.
Automotive Mfg Soln
New truck tariff will spark 'major increase in equipment costs'
Jason Cannon
Sep 26, 2025
Updated Sep 30, 2025
CCJ
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