The US Commerce Department has launched a national security investigation into the import of medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks, as well as associated parts and derivative products.

The investigation aims to assess whether the imports of trucks, buses, vans, and other large vehicles would pose a risk to national security.

The Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), through its Office of Strategic Industries and Economic Security, will carry out the review.

The Department is particularly seeking input on issues such as the current and future demand for trucks and parts within the US, domestic production capabilities, and the role of foreign supply chains.

Additional areas of interest include the risks associated with import concentration from a limited number of countries, the effects of foreign subsidies and trade practices, and the potential impact of export restrictions imposed by other nations.

Further topics include the feasibility of expanding US production to reduce reliance on imports, the effectiveness of existing trade policies, and whether new trade measures, such as tariffs or quotas, may be required to safeguard national security.

In a press statement, the US Commerce Department said: “Interested parties are invited to submit written comments, data, analyses, or information pertinent to this investigation to BIS’s Office of Strategic Industries and Economic Security.”

Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump imposed 25% tariffs on light-duty vehicles and announced plans to extend similar tariffs to imported auto parts by 3 May.

The automotive industry has urged the administration to reconsider the proposed duties.