According to Bloomberg report on October 28th, the U.S. Department of Commerce determined that the large-scale imports of Chinese trailers harmed domestic production in the United States. Therefore, it decided to impose tariffs of approximately 260% on some Chinese trailers.
The U.S. International Trade Commission, composed of members from both parties, ruled that the so-called "side-mounted semi-trailer" is entering the U.S. market through "dumping" tactics, meaning it is imported at extremely low prices, making it difficult for domestic manufacturers to compete. These trailers are typically used for transporting goods in large trucks and vans.
According to an announcement published in the U.S. Federal Register, these measures came into effect on Wednesday, including the imposition of anti-dumping duties and countervailing duties.
The United States trailer manufacturers’ alliance, composed of several American companies and the one that filed this investigation, estimates that about 40% of the van semi-trailers on the US market are produced in China, Mexico, or Canada. These tariff measures will last at least five years.
Several months ago, relevant US authorities already proposed these measures in their preliminary rulings.
Another investigation regarding trailers imported from Mexico and Canada is expected to be completed at the beginning of 2027.
Trailer manufacturer Great Dane's Executive Vice President Chris Hammond said, "Twenty years ago, there were about 20 different trailer manufacturers in the United States. But with the entry of foreign competitors, now there are basically only six remaining. It can be said that they have been systematically squeezing these companies over the years."
American manufacturers have already begun seeking opportunities presented by this measure. Bob Wahlin, CEO of Stoughton Trailers, said that the company plans to hire 500 to 700 new employees in the United States over the next six months. Wahlin mentioned that the company currently has fewer than 2,000 employees.
A person familiar with the company’s plans revealed that Stoughton, based in Wisconsin, also plans to invest $26 million in capital. This investment is expected to create thousands of job opportunities in the trailer manufacturing industry, said the person.
The Chinese side has repeatedly emphasized that the actions of the US side violate basic economic laws and market principles, contravene WTO rules, undermine the multilateral trading system, ignore the balance of interests reached in multilateral trade negotiations, and disregard the fact that the United States has long benefited significantly from international trade. The US uses tariffs as a tool to exert extreme pressure and pursue personal gain—this is a typical example of unilateralism, protectionism, and economic bullying.
