By María José Gamba
Mexico has established itself as the world’s largest exporter of heavy-duty trucks, with the United States as its main destination. According to the National Association of Bus, Truck, and Heavy-Duty Truck Manufacturers (ANPACT), Mexico ranks fourth in the export of cargo and passenger vehicles, making it a strategic player in the global automotive industry.
In 2024, Mexico produced 213,241 heavy-duty vehicles, the second-best record after 2019. Of these, 159,466 were exported, and 95.5% went to the U.S. market. This shows that almost the entire production and logistics chain depends on the bilateral trade relationship with the United States.
The Announcement of New Tariffs
U.S. President Donald Trump announced that starting October 1, 2025, a 25% tariff will be applied to all heavy-duty trucks manufactured outside the U.S. According to the president, the measure is intended to protect domestic manufacturers such as Peterbilt, Kenworth, Freightliner, and Mack Trucks, citing national security reasons.
This announcement follows a formal investigation initiated in April by the U.S. Department of Commerce under Section 232, a legal mechanism that allows the U.S. to impose trade measures when imports are deemed a threat to national security.
In Mexico’s case, the tariff will directly affect the brands with the largest export volumes to the U.S.:
Freightliner, representing 65% of exports.
International, with 31%.
Kenworth, with 4%.
Consequences for the Industry and Logistics
The new tariffs pose a significant challenge to Mexico’s competitiveness, as trucks exported to the U.S. will become more expensive. Potential impacts include:
Reduced demand from U.S. customers due to higher prices.
Adjustments in production, potentially affecting jobs and supply chains.
Strain on cross-border logistics, as exporters explore alternatives or exceptions to tariffs.
Need for market diversification, encouraging Mexican manufacturers to expand beyond the U.S.
The Role of Americas Forwarding
In this context, logistics companies are critical in mitigating the impact of tariffs. At Americas Forwarding, we understand that competitiveness depends not only on trade agreements but also on the ability to maintain secure, reliable, and flexible supply chains.
Key actions in this scenario include:
Optimizing routes and logistics costs to offset the effect of tariffs.
Risk management across the supply chain to ensure operational continuity.
Strategic support for exporters to ensure compliance and operational efficiency.
Looking Ahead
The announcement of tariffs affects not only manufacturers in Mexico but also the entire ecosystem of suppliers, transporters, and logistics operators that form the interconnected Mexico–U.S. supply chain.
At Americas Forwarding, we believe that investing in innovation, safety, and human talent is essential to navigate global challenges. Our mission is to support clients in building a resilient logistics chain that ensures reliability, even in times of commercial uncertainty.