Production of trucks in the countries of the world 2025
The global truck manufacturing industry is a vital component of the world’s economy, supporting logistics, construction, and trade across continents. In 2025, truck production—encompassing light, medium, and heavy-duty trucks designed for commercial transport of goods and materials—continues to reflect economic trends, technological advancements, and regulatory shifts. This article explores the state of truck production worldwide, focusing on key producing countries, regional dynamics, and emerging trends like electrification, with accurate data and projections for 2025.
Overview of Global Truck Production
In 2023, global truck production reached approximately 22 million units, a slight decline from the 23 million units produced in 2018, according to the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA). Preliminary data for 2024 indicates production stabilized at 21.5–22 million units, with projections for 2025 estimating a modest increase to 22–23 million units. This growth is driven by rising demand for logistics and e-commerce, particularly in Asia, and recovering freight markets in North America and Europe. Heavy-duty trucks (Class 8 and above, with a gross vehicle weight over 20 tonnes) account for roughly 10% of total production, while light and medium-duty trucks dominate due to their versatility in urban and regional transport.
Asia-Pacific leads global truck production, contributing 55% of output in 2024, followed by North America (20%) and Europe (15%). The concentration of production in certain countries reflects their industrial capacity, infrastructure investments, and government policies promoting sustainable transport. Key players like Daimler Trucks, Volvo Group, and PACCAR drive innovation, particularly in electric and autonomous trucks, shaping the industry’s future.
Leading Truck-Producing Countries in 2025
China remains the undisputed leader in truck production, manufacturing 5 million units in 2024, or 58% of Asia-Pacific’s output. Projections for 2025 estimate 5.2–5.4 million units, driven by infrastructure projects and e-commerce growth, with companies like Dongfeng Motor and FAW leading the market. China’s focus on electric trucks, supported by government incentives, has positioned it as the largest producer of new energy trucks, with 70% of global electric truck sales in 2023.
United States ranks second, producing 7.8 million trucks in 2024, including light, medium, and heavy-duty models. For 2025, production is expected to reach 8–8.2 million units, fueled by demand for Class 8 trucks like the Freightliner Cascadia and consumer preference for pickup trucks. The U.S. Inflation Reduction Act has spurred investments in electric truck production, though diesel trucks still held 75% of the heavy-duty market in 2024.
Japan produced 1.3 million trucks in 2024, with 2025 estimates at 1.4 million units. Companies like Isuzu and Toyota dominate, focusing on medium-duty trucks for export markets. Japan’s production benefits from technological advancements in fuel efficiency and hybrid systems, though growth is tempered by a declining domestic market.
Thailand and Mexico are emerging hubs. Thailand produced 1.2 million trucks in 2024, with 2025 projections at 1.3 million units, driven by exports and infrastructure development. Mexico’s output reached 1.1 million units in 2024, with 2025 estimates at 1.2–1.3 million, supported by cross-border trade under the USMCA and competitively priced imports.
Table 1: Top 10 Countries by Truck Production (2024 and 2025 Estimates)
| Country | 2024 Production (Million Units) | 2025 Estimated Production (Million Units) | Share of Global Production (2024, %) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 7.8 | 8–8.2 | 35.5 |
| China | 5.0 | 5.2–5.4 | 22.7 |
| Japan | 1.3 | 1.4 | 5.9 |
| Thailand | 1.2 | 1.3 | 5.5 |
| Mexico | 1.1 | 1.2–1.3 | 5.0 |
| Canada | 0.9 | 0.95–1.0 | 4.1 |
| India | 0.8 | 0.9–1.0 | 3.6 |
| Brazil | 0.7 | 0.75–0.8 | 3.2 |
| Turkey | 0.6 | 0.65–0.7 | 2.7 |
| Spain | 0.5 | 0.55–0.6 | 2.3 |
Global Truck Production by Country (2024)
Regional Dynamics in Truck Production
Asia-Pacific: Producing 8.5 million trucks in 2024, Asia-Pacific accounts for 55% of global output. China’s dominance is complemented by Japan, Thailand, and India, where rapid urbanization and logistics growth drive demand. The region’s focus on electric trucks is notable, with China producing 54,000 electric trucks in 2023, a 35% increase from 2022. By 2025, Asia-Pacific is expected to produce 8.7–9 million units, supported by government investments in highways and smart cities.
North America: North America produced 4.4 million trucks in 2024, with the U.S. contributing 80%. Mexico’s growth is driven by exports, with a 6.5% CAGR in production from 2013 to 2024. In 2025, production is projected at 4.5–4.7 million units, though supply chain constraints and new emissions standards (EPA 2027) may temper growth.
Europe: Europe manufactured 3.3 million trucks in 2024, led by Germany, Spain, and Turkey. Production declined by 9.3% in Q3 2024 due to economic slowdown and high capital costs, but 2025 projections estimate 3.4–3.5 million units, supported by Euro VII standards and demand for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs).
South America: Brazil leads with 0.7 million trucks in 2024, a 25.2% increase from 2023, driven by Proconve 8 regulations. Production in 2025 is expected to reach 0.75–0.8 million units, bolstered by infrastructure investments.
Table 2: Truck Production by Region (2024 and 2025 Estimates)
| Region | 2024 Production (Million Units) | 2025 Estimated Production (Million Units) | Share of Global Production (2024, %) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asia-Pacific | 8.5 | 8.7–9.0 | 55.0 |
| North America | 4.4 | 4.5–4.7 | 20.0 |
| Europe | 3.3 | 3.4–3.5 | 15.0 |
| South America | 0.9 | 0.95–1.0 | 4.1 |
| Other (Africa, Middle East) | 0.8 | 0.85–0.9 | 3.6 |
Emerging Trends: Electrification and Autonomy
The transition to electric trucks is accelerating, with the global electric truck market valued at $5.92 billion in 2025, projected to reach $38.76 billion by 2032. China leads, accounting for 70% of global electric truck sales in 2023, followed by Europe (1.5% sales share). The U.S. lags, with only 1,200 electric trucks sold in 2023, but initiatives like the eCanter launch by Daimler in India signal global expansion. Government regulations, such as Europe’s Euro VI and U.S. EPA standards, are pushing manufacturers to invest in battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell technologies.
Autonomous trucks are also gaining traction, with companies like Volvo and PACCAR investing in research to improve efficiency and safety. However, regulatory and infrastructure challenges, such as charging networks and standardized protocols, hinder widespread adoption. By 2025, autonomous trucks are expected to remain a niche segment, with commercial viability projected for 2030.
Challenges Facing the Industry
Supply chain disruptions, particularly for semiconductors, continue to impact production, though improvements are expected by mid-2025. High production costs for electric trucks—three times that of diesel models in 2024—pose barriers, especially for heavy-duty segments. Geopolitical tensions, such as tariffs on Chinese exports, and declining demand in markets like Russia (down 17.7% in 2024) add complexity. Additionally, the industry faces a global driver shortage, with over 3 million unfilled positions, exacerbating operational costs.
Opportunities for Growth
The rise of e-commerce, projected to account for 22% of global retail sales by 2027, drives demand for light and medium-duty trucks for last-mile delivery. Infrastructure investments in countries like India and Indonesia are boosting heavy-duty truck production. Technological advancements, such as improved battery range and safety features like automatic braking systems, enhance truck appeal. Emerging markets in Africa and the Middle East offer untapped potential, with rising demand for affordable used trucks.
Conclusion
Global truck production in 2025 is poised for modest growth, driven by Asia-Pacific’s dominance, North America’s recovery, and Europe’s focus on sustainability. The United States and China lead, with emerging hubs like Thailand and Mexico gaining prominence. Electrification and autonomy are reshaping the industry, though challenges like supply chain constraints and high costs persist. As logistics and e-commerce expand, truck production remains a critical pillar of global trade, with innovation paving the way for a cleaner, more efficient future.
Sources
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International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA) - 2023 Production Statistics
https://www.oica.net/category/production-statistics/2023-statistics/
Provides global and country-specific data on truck production for 2023. -
U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics - World Motor Vehicle Production
https://www.bts.gov/content/world-motor-vehicle-production-selected-countries
Offers data on truck and vehicle production for the U.S. and other countries. -
China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) - Vehicle Production Data
http://www.caam.org.cn/
Contains production statistics for China’s truck and automotive industry. -
European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) - Economic and Market Report
https://www.acea.auto/publication/economic-and-market-report-global-and-eu-auto-industry-full-year-2024/
Provides data on truck production and sales in Europe for 2024.
