The recent imposition of several new tariffs by the Trump administration has affected a school district in central Alabama. Superintendent Lyman Woodfin informed board members about a $2,500 tariff being applied to six of the 11 school buses purchased last fall.
In March, President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on automobiles, set to be implemented on May 3. The state currently provides funding that covers approximately $76,000 of the cost for purchasing a school bus.
Lyman Woodfin cited the reason for the additional costs as six of the buses being manufactured after the tariff’s implementation date. Consequently, these buses face an additional charge of $2,500 each.
The unexpected tariff charge could challenge the already tight budget of the district, as discussed by Woodfin in an April 15 board meeting. Although attempts were made to contest the charge with the vendor, the district was informed that the payment was unavoidable.
State Superintendent Eric Mackey mentioned to Alabama Daily News that Autauga County is presumably the first district to face the surcharge, though it is likely not the last. He noted that most bus vendors plan to implement a surcharge, with expected amounts ranging from $1,500 to $2,500, though exact figures remain unconfirmed.
Blue Bird CEO Phil Horlock stated in a February earnings call that the tariffs would likely lead to an increase in customer costs by up to 5% for non-electric buses.
