North American Class 8 truck orders tumbled in February, according to the latest data from ACT Research and FTR Intel.
ACT pegged the total at 18,300 units, a 34% year-over-year decline.
“After the strong end to 2024, the past two months have largely been defined by trade and economic policy uncertainty, as the new administration has thrown a wrench into business planning,” Carter Vieth, ACT research analyst, said in a news release. “Whether the slowdown in orders is a result of moderating economic activity or a response to the newfound uncertainty remains an open question.
“In February, Class 8 orders dropped 34% y/y to 18,300 units. Seasonally adjusted, Class 8 orders fell 28% from January to 16,700 units (198,000 SAAR), the lowest SA reading in almost two years.”
FTR’s February tally came in at 17,000 units, which is down 31% month-over-month and 38% y/y. That figure was well below expectations, falling notably short of the seven-year February average of 26,912 net orders, FTR reported.
With continuous threats of significant tariffs among the North American trading partners and increasing uncertainty for market participants, business investment directed toward Class 8 trucks/tractors appears to have slowed significantly. For the first time since the 2025 order season began, cumulative net orders from September 2024 through February 2025 are down y/y, declining 3%.
Class 8 orders totaled 266,900 units over the last 12 months.
OEMs across the board experienced a significant decline in order activity for February. The on-highway market accounted for the bulk of the m/m declines, although vocational orders were also down notably m/m.
“Significant U.S. tariffs could substantially increase costs for North American Class 8 trucks/tractors and related components,” said Dan Moyer, FTR senior analyst for commercial vehicles. “Approximately 45% of all Class 8 trucks built for the U.S. and Canadian markets will be subject to the 25% U.S. tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico and planned Canadian counter tariffs. About 40% of U.S. Class 8 trucks are produced in Mexico, and roughly 65% of Canada’s Class 8 trucks are assembled in the U.S. Even if those tariffs went away, others affecting costs include those on steel and aluminum, goods imported from China, and perhaps others coming down the pike.”