Brazil Truck Exports Jump 91% in H1 as Domestic Demand Slows

With Brazil’s domestic market stalled by high interest rates and reduced demand from transportation companies, truck manufacturers based in the country have heavily relied on exports to sustain operations in 2025. In the first half of this year, exports of heavy vehicles rose by 91% compared to the same period in 2024, according to data from Anfavea, Brazil’s national association of vehicle manufacturers.

A total of 13,400 trucks were exported between January and June, up from 7,000 units in the same period last year. This sharp increase provided relief to factories that had been grappling with a steady decline in domestic demand. Currently, the primary obstacle to new truck sales in Brazil is the high interest rate, which makes it difficult for small and medium-sized transport companies to secure financing, Anfavea reports.

Argentina Leads Export Growth

Argentina played a pivotal role in the surge of Brazilian truck exports. According to the manufacturers’ association, the country increased its imports of Brazilian heavy vehicles by 266%.

Gustavo Bonini, vice president of Anfavea, emphasized the importance of geographical diversification in maintaining stable truck production in Brazil. “We’ve seen a significant increase in vehicle exports, primarily driven by the Argentine market. This growth has been very positive, helping balance the industry’s performance amid a drop in domestic sales, particularly in the country’s interior,” he said.

Bonini also pointed to promising developments in other Latin American markets. “Argentina remains our main trading partner, but we’re also seeing signs of growth in other Latin American countries, which reinforces the region’s strategic importance for Brazil’s automotive sector,” he added.

Despite domestic challenges, the truck industry managed to maintain a steady production pace. According to Anfavea, truck production reached 66,400 units in the first half of 2025, a 3.1% increase compared to the same period in 2024. In other words, exports have underpinned the country’s industrial activity in the first half of the year.

Source: O Estado de S. Paulo – Estradão

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