China’s heavy truck sales increased 13% year on year to 926,000 units in the January-September period of 2026, according to preliminary data from Chinese automotive industry information provider cvworld.cn. The figures include truck chassis and tractors.
Despite the overall growth, monthly sales showed signs of weakening. In September, heavy truck sales reached 95,000 units, rising 10% month on month but falling 10% year on year.
The September decline reflected mounting pressure on China's logistics and transportation sectors. Weak highway freight rates and deteriorating profitability among fleet operators and independent truck owners have weighed on demand for new vehicles.
Market conditions were also affected by a high comparison base from September 2025, when China's trade-in program for China IV emission-standard trucks supported sales. With fewer eligible older trucks remaining in 2026, the program's ability to stimulate replacement demand has weakened.
The figures indicate that while China's heavy truck market maintained cumulative growth through September, softer freight demand and reduced policy support continued to constrain monthly sales.
VietnamSteel by Hoa Sen Group
