Mexico's Heavy-Duty Truck Exports to US Double in August
Mexico's heavy-duty truck production and exports to the United States more than doubled in August 2026 compared to a year earlier, according to official
Mexico's heavy-duty vehicle industry saw a dramatic rebound in August 2026. Production doubled and exports to the United States more than doubled compared to the same month last year, according to data from Mexico's National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI).
Manufacturers in Mexico produced 16,389 trucks and buses in August, a 100.2% increase from the 8,187 units made in August 2025. Exports surged even higher, jumping 116.7% year-over-year to 14,310 units.
The August gains mark a sharp turnaround from earlier weakness in the year. For the first eight months of 2026, total production reached 101,940 vehicles, a modest 2.6% increase from the same period in 2025. Exports from January through August totaled 85,687 units, up 3.7%.
Cargo vehicles dominated the output, accounting for 97.6% of all heavy-duty vehicle production through August. The United States remains the overwhelming destination for these exports, absorbing 92.5% of the total so far this year.
Production and Export Leaders
Freightliner led the August production surge. International and Kenworth also posted significant gains.
| Manufacturer | August 2026 Production | Year-over-Year Change | August 2026 Exports | Year-over-Year Export Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freightliner | 10,240 units | +133.1% | 10,073 units | +151.4% |
| International | 4,525 units | +100.8% | 3,877 units | +89.6% |
| Kenworth | 1,087 units | +8.5% | 358 units | -35.3% |
*Source: INEGI. August 2026 figures are preliminary.*
Trade Policy and Market Challenges
The Mexican National Association of Bus, Truck and Tractor Producers (ANPACT) raised concerns about trade policy ahead of the scheduled review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The association also highlighted the impact of U.S. Section 232 tariffs.
ANPACT called for preserving the trade pact's existing rules of origin while reducing tariff burdens on compliant companies. Miguel Elizalde, the association's president, emphasized the need for stability. "The industry needs certainty," he said, according to a translation of his remarks. "Automotive investments are planned for the long term and require clear rules."
The association supports increasing regional content requirements to 70% in 2027 as agreed under USMCA, rather than loosening the rules. It is also seeking lower tariffs affecting the integrated North American supply chain for heavy-duty vehicles.
Used Vehicle Imports and Fleet Age
ANPACT cited imports of used heavy-duty vehicles from the United States as another challenge for the domestic market. About 26,000 used trucks entered Mexico from the U.S. In 2025, down from roughly 29,000 in 2024.
Although these imports fell 29.2% year-over-year in the first seven months of 2026, the ratio remains high. ANPACT said roughly 53 used imported vehicles enter Mexico for every 100 new vehicles sold domestically. The organization noted that Mexico's truck fleet has an average age of 19.3 years and called for expanded financing, tax incentives, and scrappage programs.
Through August, Canada was the second-largest export market for Mexican-made heavy-duty vehicles, receiving 3,809 units. Colombia followed with 1,697 units.
