WASHINGTON, D.C., August 28, 2026 — Save America’s Working Vehicles Executive Director Todd Cranney submitted comments in response to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s request for public input on the proposed implementation of duties on additional aluminum, steel, and copper derivative articles under Section 232.
Off-road working vehicles have been hit with tariffs that threaten to raise their cost by thousands of dollars per vehicle, impacting America’s farmers, ranchers, and public safety agencies who rely on them every day. These sectors already face several challenges, such as operating on tight budgets and staff shortages. They cannot absorb these additional costs.
To ensure the Administration’s trade agenda is working for American industry, the letter urges the Bureau to grant full tariff relief for working vehicles.
“We support the Administration’s trade agenda. Rebuilding domestic production, strengthening supply chains, and bringing manufacturing jobs home are central to America’s long-term economic strength. At the same time, the current tariff framework is creating unintended consequences for the very workers and industries these policies are meant to protect,” Cranney wrote. “Anything less than full elimination leaves America’s farmers, ranchers, energy workers, and front-line safety professionals paying a permanent penalty on essential equipment.”
This proceeding and call for relief come as American agriculture workers are under severe financial stress, leaving farmers increasingly desperate as they enter planting season. Experts describe this as the toughest economy for farmers in nearly 50 years. Additionally, 60% of farmers report their finances have worsened this year due to rising fertilizer and fuel costs.
Our public safety agencies are also stretched thin, juggling rising costs, more frequent natural disasters, and workforce struggles. For example, the number of billion-dollar disasters has surged, reaching an average of $149 billion per year in the 2020s. The Administration’s action to grant relief through this process can provide much-needed support and solidarity to the Americans who feed our country and keep our communities safe.
See here for the full letter.
About Save America’s Working Vehicles
Save America’s Working Vehicles is committed to ensuring that America’s farmers, ranchers, energy producers, and front-line responders can afford the vehicles they need to do their jobs.
Learn more at: https://saveworkingvehicles.org/
