US Trade Commission Backs Duties on Imported Semi-Trailers

The decision stems from petitions filed by the American Trailer Manufacturers Coalition in November 2025. Counsel Robert E. DeFrancesco, III, described the move as a necessary correction for a domestic industry that has struggled against foreign competitors benefiting from market-distorting practices. For Chinese imports, the Department of Commerce has already calculated combined antidumping and countervailing duties exceeding 260%, with formal orders expected in October. These measures will specifically target Chinese-origin subassemblies and trailer kits routed through Canada.

While the Chinese case concludes this autumn, the process for Canada and Mexico operates on an extended timeline. Final determinations for these nations are expected in early 2027 following the completion of Commerce Department investigations. Once finalized, the resulting duty orders will remain in place for at least five years, subject to annual reviews that could push rates higher. The coalition, which includes industry leaders Great Dane LLC, Stoughton Trailers LLC, and Wabash Corporation, represents a sector that supports nearly 60,000 direct and indirect jobs across the United States. The group intends to maintain active monitoring to ensure these new trade protections are not undermined by duty evasion or circumvention.