A 25% U.S. tariff on heavy vehicles is projected to add approximately $35,000 to the cost of a new Class 8 truck, according to analysis cited by Commercial Carrier Journal and AtoB. S&P Global Mobility estimates new truck prices could rise 9% overall, potentially reducing demand by 17%. Nearly 50% of Class 8 trucks sold in the U.S. are imported from Mexico, and 43% of all truck parts come from foreign suppliers. According to industry data, 91.5% of trucking companies operate 10 or fewer trucks and lack the capital reserves to absorb tariff-driven price increases. The tariffs are also raising costs for replacement parts, extending the impact beyond new purchases to routine fleet maintenance.
Operator takeaway
If you're planning a truck purchase in the next 12 months, price it now — a $35,000 increase per unit on top of existing equipment costs changes your financing math entirely.