Why the U.S. Government Owes Heavy Vehicle Manufacturers Millions

What Changed, and Why It Matters

The latest customs bulletin (CSMS#66665333) quietly introduced major tariff relief for importers and manufacturers in HTS headings 8701, 8704, 8705, 8706, and 8709 — the core categories for trucks, buses, and heavy vehicles.

These headings represent more than $43 billion in imports and $20 billion in exports every year. Many manufacturers have been paying billions in 232 tariffs that can now be legally reclaimed.

Here’s What You Need to Know

1. 0% Duty Rate for USMCA-Qualified Parts

If your MHDV parts qualify under the USMCA, you now pay zero Section 232 duties.

This supports regional sourcing and strengthens North American supply chains.

These have came into effects on November 1.

2. 0% 232 Tariff for USMCA-Content Vehicles

Entire vehicles meeting USMCA content thresholds can now receive a 0% Section 232 rate, pending Department of Commerce approval.

Larger manufacturers already tracking regional content can apply immediately.

Medium and small importers may need to update tracing and inventory systems, but I would argue the potential savings justify it. The trade war is here to stay, and we are only seeing the beginnings of it. If you need help with the systems, we are here to assess and plan for free.

3. Manufacturing Drawback Is Now Open

Manufacturers can now claim back 232 steel and aluminum duties via the manufacturing drawback program.

This applies to materials used in production, not unused or rejected goods. So if you are clunking things out in your factory, we can help you to get free money back!

These have also came into effects on November 1.

What This Means for You

If you import or assemble heavy vehicles in the U.S., you may be sitting on a significant refund opportunity.

By leveraging USMCA qualification and drawback eligibility, your company potentially can:

• Reduce 232 tariff costs to 0%

• Recover previously paid duties

• Increase competitiveness against foreign OEMs

But the catch is complexity, this process requires precise data tracking, content validation, and broker coordination.

Ginger Control Can Handle the Heavy Lifting

We are here to help, we can help you to

• Tracks USMCA content

• Calculates Section 232 drawback eligibility

• Models your duty recovery potential in minutes

If you manufacture or import heavy vehicles, this is the moment to act.

Curious about whether we could put some money back to your pocket like them raining from Uncle Sam's?

Get a free audit within the same day from us! https://www.gingercontrol.com/request-audit

Not a bureaucratic tweak…

As much as I joke about ginger control's name, I think this new rule is actually a positive signal for US. It’s a clear signal that Washington finally realized it was strangling its own manufacturers with the very tariffs meant to protect them. The Section 232 steel and aluminum duties were supposed to defend U.S. industry, but for years they’ve hit truck and heavy-vehicle builders right in the wallet.

Now the government’s basically saying, “Okay, maybe we went a little overboard. Here’s your money back, if you build here.” It’s a clever move: reward companies that actually make things in North America, and gently push everyone else to nearshore their supply chains.

It's finally putting protectionism on a diet, especially trying to shape the manufacturing industry. Lower costs for U.S. manufacturers, more factory jobs on this side of the border (hopefully, although the data says otherwise), and maybe fewer sleepless nights for CFOs watching their duty bills climb…..

That's all for today!

See you in the next one…