Mexico: Truck Exports Drop 50% Due to Tariffs — ANPACT Crisis

Mexico's heavy truck industry faces crisis: exports dropped 50% in Jan-Feb 2026 due to 25% U.S. tariff. ANPACT reports loss of 6,000 manufacturing jobs and wholesale sales down 31.6%.

Mexico's heavy truck industry is in crisis 📉🇲🇽

According to ANPACT (National Association of Bus, Truck and Tractor Producers), truck exports dropped more than 50% in the first two months of 2026 due to a 25% tariff imposed by the United States.

The Crisis Numbers

ANPACT reported alarming figures for January-February 2026:

Exports

• January 2026: 5,076 units — down 53.8% vs January 2025
• Most Mexican trucks are exported to the U.S. — the 25% tariff makes them non-competitive

Production

• January 2026: 6,793 units — down 51.9% vs prior year
• February 2026: 6,974 units — down 49.1% vs prior year
• Total Jan-Feb: down 50.5%

Wholesale Sales

• February 2026: 1,836 units — down 27.32% vs Feb 2025
• Total Jan-Feb: 3,512 units — down 31.6% vs 2025

Impact on Jobs

The contraction is already causing massive job losses:

• Estimated: 6,000 manufacturing jobs lost — about 20% of the industry's workforce
• Plants reducing shifts and cutting personnel
• Auto parts suppliers also affected

This especially hits states with assembly plants like:

• Nuevo León — Monterrey (multiple manufacturers)
• Guanajuato — Volvo plant in Mexico (still under construction)
• Coahuila — automotive cluster

Why the 25% Tariff?

The tariff was imposed by the U.S. under Section 232 (national security):

• Supposedly to protect U.S. manufacturers
• But it damages productive integration under USMCA
• Trucks made in Mexico use U.S. and Canadian components — already meet 64% regional content (rising to 70% in 2027)

ANPACT argues the tariff is counterproductive because:

• It makes trucks more expensive for U.S. fleets
• It damages integrated North American supply chains
• It doesn't increase U.S. production — just reduces total sales

Another Factor: Used Truck Imports

Besides the tariff, Mexico faces increased imports of used trucks from the U.S.:

• U.S. fleets sell used trucks to Mexico at low prices
• This competes with new trucks made in Mexico
• Many Mexican truckers prefer cheaper used trucks

ANPACT Leads Defense at USMCA Review

In March 2026, the USMCA review began (the treaty is reviewed every 6 years).

ANPACT is leading the heavy truck industry's defense:

• Calling for elimination of Section 232 tariff
• Strengthening regional integration
• Modernization of trade and competitiveness

The official review is in July 2026 — critical decisions for the industry's future.

What Does This Mean for Truckers in the U.S.?

If you're an owner-operator in the United States, this crisis affects you:

1. Higher New Truck Prices

• Trucks made in Mexico (Freightliner, Volvo, etc.) now have 25% extra tariff
• That translates to $30,000-50,000 more expensive for you
• Less competition = higher prices overall

2. Fewer New Truck Options

• If Mexico reduces production, there will be less inventory available in the U.S.
• More demand = longer wait times for new trucks

3. More Competitive Used Market

• With new trucks more expensive, more people will look for used trucks
• That raises used prices too

What About the Brands?

Manufacturers with plants in Mexico being hit:

• Freightliner/Daimler — produces Cascadia in Mexico
• Volvo — new $700M plant in Mexico (still under construction)
• Navistar/International — produces trucks in Escobedo, NL
• Kenworth/Peterbilt (PACCAR) — production in Mexicali

These brands are pressuring the U.S. government to eliminate the tariff.

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Conclusion

Mexico's truck industry faces its worst crisis in years. Exports down 50%, production cut in half, 6,000 jobs lost. The U.S. 25% tariff is damaging the entire North American chain. ANPACT will fight to eliminate the tariff at the USMCA review in July 2026. Meanwhile, new trucks will be more expensive in the U.S. — take good care of the one you have 🚛💪

Source: ANPACT, Mexico Business News, T21, Marklines