Mexico Heavy Truck Output Tumbles 49% in February

Mexico’s heavy truck industry recorded significant declines in production, exports and domestic sales in February 2026, marking the sector’s lowest levels in the past five years. According to data released by INEGI and the Asociación Nacional de Productores de Autobuses, Camiones y Tractocamiones (ANPACT), production fell 49%, exports dropped 32%, and wholesale and retail sales contracted 27% and 39%, respectively, compared with February 2025.

The figures highlight the challenges facing the industry amid ongoing trade negotiations under the USMCA and continued pressure from imports of used heavy trucks. In February, companies operating in Mexico manufactured 6,974 units, down from 13,696 in the same month of 2025. Of these, 6,739 were cargo trucks and 235 were passenger buses. Diesel-powered vehicles overwhelmingly dominated production, with 6,972 units powered by diesel, one electric unit, and one running on natural gas, reflecting current energy demand in the sector.

“The USMCA ratification will provide certainty to increase production, exports and sales, making North America more competitive,” said Alejandro Osorio, Director of Public Affairs and Communication, ANPACT. He added that until trade negotiations are clarified, the downward trend is expected to continue.

Export Declines and Market Destinations

In February, Mexico exported 7,849 heavy vehicles, representing a 32% decline from the 11,535 units exported in the same month of 2025. While exports showed a partial rebound compared with January 2026, when 5,076 units were shipped abroad, the sector remains far below prior levels.

The United States remained the primary destination for Mexican exports, receiving 7,015 units in February, followed by Canada with 498 units. Colombia also emerged as an increasingly relevant market. Diesel-powered vehicles accounted for 7,847 of the exported units, with a single electric truck and one natural gas vehicle included in shipments.

Domestic Sales and Ongoing Weakness

Domestic sales mirrored the contraction in production and exports. Wholesale sales fell 27.32% year-over-year, totaling 1,836 units in February, while retail sales declined 38.9% to 2,303 units. Cumulative retail sales for January–February 2026 amounted to 4,376 vehicles, a 42.6% drop compared with the same period in 2025. 

Cristina Vázquez, coordinator of economic studies, Asociación Mexicana de Distribuidores de Automotores (AMDA), noted that the market has now experienced 14 consecutive months of annual sales declines.

The domestic market is further challenged by the influx of used trucks from the United States. Osorio warned that for every 100 new trucks sold in Mexico, an additional 64 used units enter the market. “This affects the industry significantly, as it pressures sales, impacts employment, and distorts the secondary market,” he said. Many of these imported vehicles have high mileage or fail to meet adequate physical and mechanical conditions.

Regulatory and Trade Considerations

ANPACT has called on federal authorities—including the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP), the National Customs Agency of Mexico (ANAM), the Ministry of Economy (SE), and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT)—to review and strengthen control mechanisms for used heavy vehicle imports. The association emphasized that addressing this issue is essential for employment, vehicle fleet modernization, and road safety.

Osorio also highlighted the impact of tariffs imposed under Section 232 of US trade law, which he described as a barrier to industry recovery. He stressed the need for continued improvements in labor conditions, infrastructure and trade facilitation within the USMCA framework to strengthen North America as a competitive, integrated and innovative region.

During the first two months of 2026, Mexico’s heavy vehicle industry produced 13,767 units, a 50.5% drop from the 27,767 vehicles manufactured in the same period of 2025. Export volumes totaled 12,925 units, reflecting a 42.6% annual decline. Diesel technology dominated both production and export segments, highlighting the limited adoption of alternative propulsion systems in the current market.

“ANPACT reiterates its commitment to productive dialogue with authorities from the three countries to overcome uncertainty and promote shared economic growth,” Osorio said. “The integration of North American supply chains and a constructive approach to trade policy are critical to reversing these declines,” Osorio said.