September Class 8 Truck Sales Drop 25% Amid Tariff Uncertainty
Sales of Class 8 trucks in the United States experienced a significant decline in September 2025, falling by 25.6% compared to the same month in the previous year. This downturn marks the third consecutive month of declining sales, reflecting ongoing uncertainty in the trucking industry largely attributed to impending tariffs on imported trucks.
Key Details
According to data released by ACT Research, Class 8 truck sales dropped to 16,228 units in September 2025, down from 21,813 units sold in September 2024. This decline also represents a 9.2% decrease from the 17,876 units sold in August 2025. Year-to-date sales have similarly decreased by 9.2%, totaling 160,981 units compared to 177,368 units sold during the same period last year.
Steve Tam, Vice President of ACT Research, commented on the situation, stating, “This was [a] bigger [drop] than we expected. I think it’s an ongoing reflection of just the angst in the industry. People are concerned, they don’t know what to do, so they’re not doing anything. And of course, in that vein, falls the sales.” He further noted that the looming 25% tariff on imported medium- and heavy-duty trucks is contributing to this uncertainty.
President Donald Trump announced plans to implement a 25% tariff on all imported medium- and heavy-duty trucks starting November 1, 2025. This decision is part of a broader trade strategy that has seen escalating tensions with various international trading partners. Tam highlighted that the specifics of the policy remain unclear, adding to the industry"s apprehension.
Background
The trucking industry plays a crucial role in the U.S. economy, serving as a primary mode of freight transportation. The significant drop in Class 8 truck sales is indicative of broader economic concerns, particularly in light of trade policies and tariffs that can impact operational costs for trucking companies. The uncertainty surrounding the new tariff has left many industry stakeholders hesitant to make purchasing decisions, leading to a slowdown in sales.
What"s Next
As the November 1 deadline for the tariff approaches, industry experts anticipate that the uncertainty will continue to affect sales figures. The potential increase in costs for imported trucks may lead to further declines in sales as companies reassess their purchasing strategies. Stakeholders in the trucking industry will be closely monitoring the situation to gauge its impact on future sales and overall market stability.
For more on related economic developments, see our coverage on recent developments in the financial sector.
