Big Rigs · Multi-state · November 13, 2026

Mexico's Heavy Truck Exports Jump 159% in October to 13,518 as Production More Than Doubles

By Big Rig Daily Staff

Many of the new big rigs headed onto American highways are being built in Mexico, and October set a fast pace. Mexico's heavy truck factories built 16,375 trucks that month, up nearly 130% from a year earlier, FreightWaves reports, and truck drivers may well be driving one soon.

Exports

Mexico exported 13,518 heavy trucks in October, up 159%. Of those, 13,097 were headed to the U.S. For the year to date, 93% of Mexico's heavy truck exports came to the U.S.

Who builds them

Freightliner alone made about 64% of Mexico's heavy trucks in October. Freightliner, International and Kenworth together made about 97%.

The twist at home

Inside Mexico, new truck sales are down about 15% this year. The country's truck manufacturers' group points to used American trucks. Through September, about 51 used trucks were imported from the U.S. for every 100 new trucks sold in Mexico.

New trucks go north, and older trucks go south.

Why it matters to truckers

Mexican plants are a major source of new Class 8 trucks for U.S. fleets, so production there affects how quickly new trucks reach dealers here. Cross-border trade has also been in the news, including a recent Mexico trucker strike and talks.

Quick facts

• October production: 16,375, up nearly 130%.
• October exports: 13,518, up 159%.
• Headed to the U.S.: 13,097.
• Year-to-date share of exports to the U.S.: 93%.
• New truck sales in Mexico this year: down about 15%.

FAQ

Who builds most of Mexico's heavy trucks?

Freightliner made about 64% in October, and Freightliner, International and Kenworth together made about 97%.

How many of Mexico's exports went to the U.S. this year?

About 93% of year-to-date heavy truck exports.

A question for readers

Truckers, when you buy a new truck, does it matter where it was built?

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