South Africa Truck Market Powers Up Despite Trade Headwinds
Domestic Demand Shows Resilience as Export Tariffs Loom
South Africa’s heavy-duty truck and bus sector demonstrated robust performance in July 2025, with sales reaching 2,076 units. This figure represents a modest 1.3% decrease from the previous year but a positive uptick from June’s 1,943 units, signaling growing fleet confidence.
FAW Trucks Lead the Pack as Market Competes
FAW Trucks achieved a new monthly high for 2025, delivering 498 units. Toyota closely followed with 398 sales, and Isuzu secured third place with 314 units. Daimler Truck SA and Scania maintained their strong market positions, rounding out the top five brands. UD Trucks SA also saw an advancement, surpassing Volvo Group SA, while Tata re-entered the top ten rankings, displacing Sinotruk from its June position.
Top Performing Heavy-Duty Truck Brands in South Africa – July 2025
| Brand | Units Sold | Sales Trend | Previous Month Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. FAW Trucks | 498 | ▲ Increased | 1 |
| 2. Toyota | 398 | ▲ Increased | 2 |
| 3. Isuzu Motors SA | 314 | ▲ Increased | 3 |
| 4. Daimler Truck SA | 289 | ▲ Increased | 4 |
| 5. Scania | 225 | ▼ Decreased | 5 |
| 6. UD Trucks SA | 203 | ▲ Increased | 7 |
| 7. Volvo Group SA | 170 | ▼ Decreased | 6 |
| 8. MAN | 144 | ▼ Decreased | 8 |
| 9. Powerstar | 121 | ▲ Increased | 10 |
| 10. Tata | 68 | ▲ Increased | 12 |
Broader Commercial Vehicle Market Gains Momentum
The medium commercial vehicle segment also experienced significant growth, with sales rising 13.9% year-on-year to 703 units in July 2025. This expansion, coupled with a reduction in financing costs following the South African Reserve Bank’s third repo rate cut this year to 7.00%, contributes to a strong demand for trucking services.
The chief executive of naamsa, Mikel Mabasa, highlighted the sector’s strength:
“We are encouraged by the sustained positive momentum in new vehicle sales, which clearly underscores the resilience of South African consumers and the strategic importance of a stable macro-economic policy environment.”
Export Market Faces Significant Challenges
Despite robust domestic sales, South African vehicle exports are facing considerable pressure. A new 30% tariff on exports to the United States, set to take effect on August 7, 2025, follows an unresolved 25% Section 232 tariff. This has already led to a drastic 82.2% decline in vehicle exports to the US during the first half of the year compared to 2024.
“The reimposition of these tariffs is deeply disappointing and has far-reaching implications. Without urgent trade remedy, the socio-economic fallout could be severe,” stated Mikel Mabasa. The industry is now focusing on strengthening regional trade and expanding access to Africa-Asia markets, with SA Auto Week 2025 scheduled for October in Gqeberha.
Outlook Remains Cautiously Optimistic
The latter half of 2025 presents a mixed outlook for the South African truck sector. While domestic demand, favorable interest rates, and strong brand performances offer positive indicators, looming export uncertainties and potential inflationary pressures could pose significant challenges. According to the International Monetary Fund, global inflation is projected to moderate slightly in 2025, offering some economic stability (IMF July 2024 WEO).
