Congressman Mackenzie Applauds Move to Support American Manufacturing and Lehigh Valley Workers, Encourages Further Action

Allentown, PA — Congressman Ryan Mackenzie — representing the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos in Pennsylvania’s 7th congressional district — and UAW 677— representing local Mack Trucks employees — applauded President Trump’s announcement of tariffs on heavy trucks beginning November 1, 2025. 

Mack Trucks, a division of Volvo Group, has a long history of manufacturing its famous heavy trucks here in the Lehigh Valley. In recent years, American workers have faced unfair competition from competitors who sometimes choose to manufacture in Mexico for reasons including cheaper labor, looser environmental rules, and weaker health and safety protections. Mack announced a plan last year to build a new manufacturing facility in Mexico, which is scheduled to begin operations in 2026.

Congressman Mackenzie has been personally advocating to the Trump Administration over the past few months to take trade action to address unfair competition against American workers and domestic truck manufacturers. The Congressman also recently sent a letter to the Secretary of Commerce expressing his approval of the administration’s initial announcement and requesting that specific steps be taken to facilitate the return of American truck manufacturing jobs. 

“The Lehigh Valley and the Poconos are home to some of the best workers in the world,” said Congressman Ryan Mackenzie. “Ensuring a level playing field against unfair foreign competition is critical for supporting American jobs and industry right here in our area. Thankfully, President Trump has announced an important tariff measure regarding trucks. If the Administration also implements tariffs on truck parts, this action should be paired with a rebate or credit mechanism for parts used in American-made vehicles, similar to those extended to the automobile industry.

“Supporting strong, good-paying manufacturing jobs in the Lehigh Valley and nationwide requires policies that foster fair competition and keep supply chains anchored in the United States. I look forward to continuing to work with the administration, the UAW, and Mack Trucks to strengthen American manufacturing.”

“For thirty years, free trade policies have devastated the Lehigh Valley – and Mack’s decision to move production to Mexico was the latest blow. UAW members have been working tirelessly for months to stop the job losses, and the tariff action supported by Representative Mackenzie is a strong first step toward protecting our workers and our community,” said UAW Local 677 President Mike Shupp.