South Africa’s trucking market kept its wheels turning in July, even with a few bumps along the way. Heavy-duty truck and bus sales reached 2,076 units, down 1.3% from July 2024’s 2,103 units. But compared with June’s 1,943 units, sales edged higher — a sign of renewed fleet confidence heading into the second half of the year.

FAW Trucks led the pack with 498 units, its strongest monthly showing so far in 2025. Toyota stayed close with 398 units, while Isuzu held third with 314. Daimler and Scania rounded out the top five, maintaining their established positions in the market.

Further down the list, UD Trucks South Africa overtook Volvo Group SA, while Tata re-entered the top 10, knocking Sinotruk off the rankings after its June appearance.

Picture Source: SA Trucker

The broader commercial vehicle market also showed strength. Medium commercial vehicle sales hit 703 units, up 13.9% from July 2024. Softer financing costs — following the South African Reserve Bank’s third 25-basis-point repo rate cut this year, bringing the benchmark to 7.00% — are providing further support.

“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,” said naamsa CEO Mikel Mabasa.

Exports Under Pressure

While domestic sales remain steady, exports are taking a hit. A 30% tariff on South African auto exports to the U.S. is set to take effect on 7 August 2025, after talks failed to resolve the existing 25% Section 232 tariff.

The fallout has already been severe: vehicle exports to the U.S. fell 82.2% in the first half of 2025 compared with a year earlier.

“The reimposition of these tariffs is deeply disappointing and has far-reaching implications. Without urgent trade remedy, the socio-economic fallout could be severe,” Mabasa warned.

He added that naamsa will intensify efforts to expand regional trade and strengthen ties with Asia, with SA Auto Week 2025 — scheduled for 1–3 October in Gqeberha — expected to play a key role.

“We must seize this moment,” Mabasa said. “With positive domestic fundamentals and export volumes holding firm, now is the time to intensify policy co-ordination, deepen localisation, and invest boldly in the technologies of the future.”

Outlook

The heavy-duty truck sector enters the second half of 2025 with cautious optimism. Local demand is still strong, interest rates are easing, and brands like FAW and Toyota are building momentum. But rising inflation and unstable export markets could challenge that momentum in the months ahead.

Source : SA Trucker

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