U.S. imports of Public-Transport Passenger Vehicles with Diesel or Semi-Diesel Engines (SITC 78311) totaled $72.5M in August 2026, imported from 7 countries.
Importers of Public-Transport Passenger Vehicles with Diesel or Semi-Diesel Engines paid $6.6M in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 9.08% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Public-Transport Passenger Vehicles with Diesel or Semi-Diesel Engines imports of $72.5M in August 2026 ran 12% below the year-to-date monthly average of $82.3M.
Last updated: August 2026 dataDiesel and semi-diesel powered buses and coaches designed for public passenger transport represent a specialized segment of the commercial vehicle market, procured primarily by transit authorities and intercity operators. Compression-ignition engine type is the defining classification criterion here, distinguishing these vehicles from spark-ignition or alternatively powered public-transport vehicles. Importers should be aware that large diesel buses may be subject to EPA emissions certification requirements before entry, and Section 232 or Section 301 measures may apply depending on origin.
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136 import shipments a month
Imported diesel buses must comply with EPA emissions standards for heavy-duty engines. The importer must demonstrate conformity with applicable emission standards — typically through an EPA-approved certificate of conformity or an exemption — before CBP will release the vehicle. Non-conforming vehicles may require modification or face refusal of entry.
Engine type is the primary split within public-transport passenger vehicles at this SITC level. Compression-ignition (diesel or semi-diesel) engines place the vehicle in heading 78311, while buses powered by spark-ignition engines or alternative powertrains fall into the residual heading 78319. Confirming the engine specification in the manufacturer's documentation is essential for accurate classification.
Basic heading 186 of 642 in section 7
Basic heading 78311 · $72.5M of $172.0B
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Imports · August 2026
origin
Canada and Turkey together supply 97% of it.
customs district
Census does not publish district detail for this classification system.
destination
Census does not publish state detail for this classification system.
entry
Census does not publish port detail for this classification system.
ImportsExports
Imports
$72.5MYoY · free account
Exports
$75.7MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $1.1B of Public-Transport Passenger Vehicles with Diesel or Semi-Diesel Engines.
Through August 2026 · exports 10 of 12 months reported. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.