At ABC Companies, we continue to advocate for fair and balanced trade policies that strengthen the motorcoach industry.
The administration’s recent Proclamation recognizing motorcoaches as a distinct vehicle classification marks a significant step forward for fair trade and greater industry recognition. For the first time, the motorcoach sector is being acknowledged as an essential part of the transportation landscape, separate from heavy- and medium-duty trucks governed under Section 232 of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
The Proclamation imposes a 10 percent tariff on imports of buses, including school buses, transit buses, and motorcoaches.
What This Means for Our Industry
This Proclamation represents a long-awaited distinction for the motorcoach sector. By separating motorcoaches from the broader Section 232 classification for heavy- and medium-duty trucks, it provides greater clarity and stability for operators, manufacturers, and suppliers.
For U.S. operators, this change helps prevent overlapping material tariffs that could increase costs and disrupt supply chains. It also recognizes the unique role our industry plays in sustainable, shared transportation, distinct from commercial freight operations.
For manufacturers and suppliers, the clarification supports long-term stability through more predictable trade policy and stronger international partnerships. This framework helps protect our industry from unintended impacts and establishes a foundation for continued investment and innovation.
Through ongoing advocacy, we highlighted the economic, sustainability, and community value that the motorcoach industry delivers while reinforcing the importance of maintaining strong trade relationships with trusted allies such as North Macedonia, a vital part of the global supply chain supporting American operators.
“This is a significant milestone for our entire industry,” said Jay Oakman, COO of ABC Companies. “It reflects advocacy and collaboration between manufacturers, associations, and policymakers to ensure that the motorcoach sector is properly recognized within U.S. trade policy. We are deeply grateful to all our partners across government, and industry whose commitment and shared vision helped make this possible.”
Industry Collaboration and Shared Success
This milestone reflects the collective advocacy and partnership of government, diplomatic, and industry stakeholders. We are proud to have supported these efforts on behalf of the motorcoach community, working alongside U.S. elected officials, trade representatives, and embassy partners in Washington and abroad to ensure that our industry’s voice was heard at every level.
We are also grateful for the support of our vendor partners, industry associations, our advocacy and legal teams, and our embassy partners in the United States and North Macedonia. Together, these partnerships played a vital role in achieving this outcome and strengthening the foundation for future progress.
Looking Ahead
We thank our customers for their trust and continued partnership. Your support drives our advocacy and strengthens our efforts to represent the needs of this industry at every level.
We remain committed to advancing policies that promote stability, protect operators, and drive long-term growth for the transportation sector. Together, we move the industry forward.
