Mexico’s Heavy Vehicle Sector Posts Sharp August Declines

Mexico’s heavy vehicle industry continued to face steep declines in exports, production, and sales in August 2025, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI). The downturn marks the third consecutive annual drop across key indicators, with figures falling to lows not seen since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

The Administrative Registry of the Heavy Vehicle Automotive Industry (RAIAVP) reported that Mexico exported 6,605 heavy vehicles in August 2025—a 59.36% decline compared to the same month in 2024. This is the lowest monthly export figure since May 2020, highlighting persistent weakness in global trade and demand. Production also contracted sharply, with 8,187 units assembled, a 62.39% year-over-year drop and the lowest monthly output since May 2020.

Domestic sales reflected similar pressures. The 13 companies included in the registry sold 3,356 units at retail in August, down 37.90% from the previous year. Wholesale sales fell 59.81% annually to 2,541 units. These declines point to reduced investment in equipment and broader strains on both the Mexican economy and international markets.

From January to August 2025, exports totaled 82,620 vehicles, a 25.83% decrease from the same period in 2024 and the lowest cumulative figure since 2020, when 70,165 units were exported. The United States remained the dominant market, absorbing 94.8% of shipments.

Production during the first eight months reached 99,306 vehicles, down 31.62% year-over-year. Cargo vehicles accounted for 97.6% of total output, while passenger buses represented the remainder.

Domestic sales also weakened on a cumulative basis. Retail sales fell by 9,855 units in August 2025 compared to the same month last year, while wholesale sales dropped by 20,299 units during the January–August 2025 period versus 2024.