Trucks and pickups: Mexico's US$35.8 billion export to the US

Written By Shrinivas G
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Mexico Trade Corridor · Product brief · HS 8704

Pickups and heavy trucks are Mexico's fourth-largest export to the United States. This brief sets out the numbers from both sides, the two Section 232 tariffs that apply, and where dealers and fleets need working capital.

Published October 23, 2026 · Facts as of October 23, 2026 · 10 min read · Trade data: UN Comtrade, 2020 to 2025 · Rules as of October 23, 2026

Facts as of October 23, 2026. This page states the facts as they stood on that date. Tariffs, rules and figures may have changed since publication. Tariffs and trade policy change often, so we review these pages every month and update them.

#4

Mexico's No. 4 export to the US in 2025, ranked by value as reported by Mexico (UN Comtrade, 4-digit HS codes). The US figure is shown beside it because the two countries count the same trade differently.

US$35.8bnMexico's exports to the US, 2025, as reported by Mexico
US$34.2bnThe same flow, 2025, as reported by the US
+53.2%Change 2020 to 2025, Mexico data
US$1.7bnMexico's imports from the US in the same code, 2025, Mexico data

What is it?

HS 8704 covers motor vehicles that carry goods, from light pickups and vans to heavy tractor units. Mexico reported US$35.8 billion of these exports to the US in 2025 1.

Why does it matter?

Trucks were 6.6% of Mexico's reported exports to the US in 2025 1. Mexico is also a major builder of heavy trucks for the US: 92.3% of its heavy vehicle exports went to the US in the first half of 2026 4.

How does it work?

Pickups come from the same plants as cars. Heavy trucks come from dedicated plants run by a few makers 3. Both pay a 25% US Section 232 tariff, on the non-US content only for models that qualify under USMCA 11,12.

01How big is the truck trade between Mexico and the US?

Mexico reported US$35.8 billion of truck exports to the US in 2025. That is up 53.2% from US$23.4 billion in 2020, and down 6.7% from US$38.4 billion in 2024 1. Trucks were 6.6% of Mexico's US$545.4 billion of reported exports to the US 1.

US data shows US$34.2 billion of truck imports from Mexico in 2025 1. US customs counted 1,216,928 trucks from Mexico in 2025, 11.3% more than in 2024. The average customs value was US$28,094 per truck, down from US$34,080 in 2024 1. Our data gap explainer sets out why the two countries' figures differ.

Trade south is small. Mexico reported US$1.7 billion of truck imports from the US in 2025, down 22.2% from 2024, so it sold US$34.1 billion more trucks to the US than it bought 1. US data shows US$1.4 billion of truck exports to Mexico 1.

Chart

Truck trade, both directions, both sides of the data

Trade in HS 8704, 2020 to 2025, US$ billionMexico to US, Mexico data: 23.4 in 2020 to 35.8 in 2025; Mexico to US, US data: 22.9 in 2020 to 34.2 in 2025; US to Mexico, Mexico data: 0.7 in 2020 to 1.7 in 2025; US to Mexico, US data: 0.8 in 2020 to 1.4 in 2025.01020304020202021202220232024202535.834.21.71.4
  • Mexico to US, Mexico data
  • Mexico to US, US data
  • US to Mexico, Mexico data
  • US to Mexico, US data
US$ billion. Solid lines: as reported by Mexico. Dashed lines: as reported by the US. Source: UN Comtrade, 2020 to 2025.

02Which trucks cross the border?

In Mexico's data, the 6-digit lines for this code add up to US$31.3 billion, which is 87.5% of the 4-digit total of US$35.8 billion. The shares below are of the 4-digit total 1.

Gasoline pickups and vans of up to 5 metric tons gross weight lead. That line was US$20.4 billion in 2025, or 57.1% of the total, as reported by Mexico. US data gives the same value 1.

Diesel trucks follow. Diesel trucks of 5 to 20 metric tons were US$4.7 billion, or 13.0%. Diesel trucks of up to 5 metric tons were US$2.9 billion and those over 20 metric tons US$2.4 billion. Together the three diesel lines were 28.0% of the total 1. The two countries record hybrid trucks very differently: Mexico reported US$0.6 billion and the US US$2.7 billion 1.

Southbound, gasoline pickups of up to 5 metric tons were US$1.0 billion, or 58.9% of Mexico's truck imports from the US 1.

Chart

The largest truck lines Mexico ships to the US

Gasoline, up to 5 metric tonsHS 87043120.4 (57.1%)Diesel, 5 to 20 metric tonsHS 8704224.7 (13.0%)Diesel, up to 5 metric tonsHS 8704212.9 (8.2%)Diesel, over 20 metric tonsHS 8704232.4 (6.8%)Hybrid, up to 5 metric tonsHS 8704510.6 (1.7%)Gasoline, over 5 metric tonsHS 8704320.2 (0.5%)
US$ billion and share of the 4-digit total, 2025, as reported by Mexico. Source: UN Comtrade. In Mexico's data the 6-digit lines add up to US$31.3 billion, less than the 4-digit total of US$35.8 billion, so shares are of the 4-digit total.

03Who builds the trucks, and where?

Pickups are built in the same plants as cars. The most exported pickups in 2025 included the Toyota Tacoma (278,794 units), Ford Maverick (185,823), Ram 2500 (164,879) and Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Double Cab (140,040) 7. Passenger cars have their own brief: passenger cars.

Heavy trucks come from a few dedicated plants. Daimler Truck North America builds Freightliner and Western Star trucks in Saltillo and Santiago Tianguistenco. International builds in Escobedo, Nuevo León, and Paccar builds Kenworth trucks in Mexicali 3. In July 2026, International, Freightliner and Kenworth built 14,056 units, or 95.8% of Mexico's heavy vehicle output that month 5. Heavy trucks use engines from both countries: see diesel engines.

Output fell sharply in 2025. The heavy vehicle makers' association, ANPACT, reported production of 138,954 units, down 34.8%, and exports of 113,981, down 28.6% 2. Volvo Group is building a US$1 billion heavy truck plant at Ciénega de Flores, Nuevo León, for Volvo and Mack trucks. Its inauguration was expected in May 2026 6.

04How do the trucks get from the plant to the buyer?

Finished pickups and trucks travel north by road, rail and ship. Heavy trucks can be driven or towed to the buyer. CPKC runs an autorack rail service that serves 18 or 19 Mexican vehicle plants, with loaded racks entering the US at Laredo 8. Across all goods, trucks carried 73.6% and rail 10.9% of US-Mexico freight value in 2025 9. Our guide to border crossings covers each port.

The buyer is a US dealer, a fleet or the maker's own US arm, which acts as the importer of record. The sale contract sets who pays for each leg and who clears customs, usually through an Incoterms rule. The Incoterms guide explains each one.

  1. Truck plantA pickup comes off a car plant line. A heavy truck comes from a plant in Saltillo, Escobedo, Mexicali or Santiago Tianguistenco.
  2. PaperworkThe maker issues a commercial invoice and a USMCA certification of origin, plus its US-content documents for heavy trucks.
  3. Road or railTrucks are driven, towed or loaded on rail cars. Many cross at Laredo.
  4. US customsThe importer pays 25% Section 232 duty, on the non-US content only for approved USMCA models.
  5. Dealer or fleetThe truck reaches a dealer lot or a fleet buyer. Payment follows on the agreed terms.
US customs counted 1,216,928 trucks from Mexico in 2025, 11.3% more than in 2024.

05Which rules and tariffs apply?

Two Section 232 tariffs apply, depending on the size of the truck. Pickups, vans and light trucks are on the autos list and have paid a 25% ad valorem duty since April 3, 2025. Models that qualify under USMCA pay the 25% only on non-US content, after the US Commerce Department approves the maker's US-content figure 10,11.

Medium and heavy trucks and their parts have paid 25% since November 1, 2025, under Proclamation 10984; buses pay 10% 14. USMCA-qualifying models can also pay only on non-US content 12. A Commerce notice of February 2, 2026 set the filing process. Importers had to send documents for 2027 imports by October 1, 2026, and overstating US content can bring 25% on the full value of that model 12. US customs asks for the non-US and US content on separate entry lines 13.

USMCA rules of origin require 45% labor value content for light trucks, against 40% for cars 19. The auto parts brief and our guide to USMCA rules of origin cover the rest. The 10% Section 301 tariff on Mexican goods does not apply to goods under Section 232 16. All rates here are as of October 23, 2026. Our guide to US tariffs on Mexican goods covers the full list.

Rules in force
As of October 23, 2026. Live list: corridor watch.
MeasureWhat it doesSinceStatus
US Section 232, light trucks and pickups25% ad valorem. USMCA-qualifying models pay only on non-US content, after Commerce approval 10,11Apr 3, 2025In force
US Section 232, medium and heavy trucks25% on trucks and truck parts; 10% on buses, under Proclamation 10984. USMCA-qualifying models pay on non-US content 12,14Nov 1, 2025In force
Heavy truck tariff linesWhether every line under HTS 8704.22 and 8704.23 falls under Proclamation 10984. Check each line 14Nov 1, 2025Under monthly review
Commerce US-content filings, heavy trucksPer-model filings with officer certification; documents for 2027 imports due Oct 1, 2026 12Feb 2, 2026In force
US truck tariff offset3.75% of list price for US-assembled trucks, through October 31, 2030 15Nov 1, 2025In force
US Section 301, forced labor10% on Mexican goods. Exempt with a USMCA claim; goods under Section 232 excluded 16Jul 24, 2026In force

06Where is cash needed, and how is it financed?

Heavy trucks are capital goods. Fleets and carriers usually buy them with loans or leases, and dealers hold stock on credit until they sell. When volumes swing, so does the cash cycle. In Mexico, wholesale heavy vehicle sales fell 54.7% to 30,673 units in 2025 2.

Duty is cash paid early. The importer pays the 25% on non-US content when the truck enters the US. If Commerce rejects a content filing, the duty applies to the full value of that model 12.

The makers' parts suppliers wait the longest for payment. Our guide to finance for tier 1 and tier 2 suppliers covers their options.

Where the cash goes

From truck order to payment

  1. Order
    Build slotA fleet or dealer orders trucks. The maker schedules the build and orders engines and parts.
  2. Production
    Parts and wagesEngines, axles and cabs arrive from suppliers in Mexico and the US, often on credit terms.
  3. Shipment
    Freight and dutyDelivery is paid and the importer pays Section 232 duty at the border.
  4. Dealer stock
    Waiting for a buyerA dealer holds unsold trucks on floor plan finance and pays interest.
  5. Sale
    Cash returnsThe fleet pays with a loan or lease, and the dealer repays its credit line.
The order of cash needs is typical for a truck maker and its dealers. Actual days depend on each contract.
Dealer stockInventory finance

Funds trucks held for sale, with the trucks as security.

Dealer networkDistributor finance

A program backed by the maker that funds its dealers until customers pay.

Parts suppliersPayables finance

The truck maker approves supplier invoices and a finance provider pays the supplier early.

Buyer may not payTrade credit insurance

Covers most of an unpaid invoice if a covered buyer fails to pay.

07What should truck traders watch next?

USMCA stays in force. On July 1, 2026 the US did not agree to renew it in its current form, so annual joint reviews follow until 2036 unless the three countries confirm an extension 17. A report in October 2026 said US relief under any deal with Canada would cover cars but not medium or heavy trucks. This is not confirmed 18.

Heavy truck output picked up in 2026. Production in July 2026 was 14,675 units, up 51.8% from July 2025, and exports were up 66.7% 5. The live list of measures is on our corridor watch page.

  • By Dec 2026Next round of US-Mexico talks on autos. No date announced as of October 18, 2026 18.
  • Jan 2027Heavy truck imports for 2027 use the new per-model US-content filings. Documents were due October 1, 2026 12.
  • Jan 12, 2027Deadline for public comments to the US Trade Representative on the USMCA review 18.
  • PendingStart of series production at Volvo's Ciénega de Flores plant. Its inauguration was expected in May 2026 6.
  • Oct 31, 2030The 3.75% offset for US-assembled trucks ends 15.
  • Jul 1, 2036USMCA ends on this date unless the three countries confirm an extension. Annual reviews run until then 17.

Questions traders ask

How much truck trade is there between Mexico and the US?

Mexico reported US$35.8 billion of truck and pickup exports to the US in 2025 under HS 8704, and US$1.7 billion of imports from the US. US data shows US$34.2 billion of imports from Mexico and US$1.4 billion of exports to Mexico.

Do pickups made in Mexico pay US tariffs?

Yes. Pickups and light trucks pay the 25% Section 232 tariff on autos. For models that qualify under USMCA, it applies only to the non-US content once the US Commerce Department approves the maker's figure. These rules are as of October 23, 2026.

What tariff applies to heavy trucks from Mexico?

Medium and heavy trucks have paid a 25% Section 232 tariff since November 1, 2025. USMCA-qualifying models can pay only on their non-US content, based on per-model filings to the US Commerce Department.

Who builds heavy trucks in Mexico?

Daimler Truck North America builds Freightliner and Western Star trucks in Saltillo and Santiago Tianguistenco, International builds in Escobedo, and Paccar builds Kenworth trucks in Mexicali. Volvo Group is building a plant in Ciénega de Flores, Nuevo León.

Why do the 6-digit truck lines not add up to the total?

In Mexico's own data, the 6-digit lines for HS 8704 add up to US$31.3 billion, while the 4-digit total is US$35.8 billion. The gap sits in the source data, so this brief uses the 4-digit total as the headline and gives shares of that total.

Trading trucks between Mexico and the US? Ossiano Capital works on trade finance in this corridor.

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Sources and notes

  1. UN Comtrade, annual trade data 2020 to 2025, HS 8704, Mexico and the US as reporters. Downloaded October 2026; 2025 figures may be revised. https://comtradeplus.un.org/
  2. Cluster Industrial, Industria de vehículos pesados concluye 2025 con 138,954 unidades producidas en México (ANPACT data), January 12, 2026. https://clusterindustrial.com.mx/industria-de-vehiculos-pesados-concluye-2025-con-138-954-unidades-producidas-en-mexico-y-baja-de-34-8/
  3. Transport Topics, Mexican heavy-duty truck output little changed by tariffs, February 13, 2026. https://www.ttnews.com/articles/mexican-truck-output-tariffs
  4. Transport Topics, Escobedo underpins Mexican truck production growth in June, July 14, 2026. https://www.ttnews.com/articles/mexico-truck-production-up-june
  5. Transport Topics, Mexican heavy-duty truck production, exports soar in July (INEGI data), August 11, 2026. https://www.ttnews.com/articles/mexico-production-july-2026
  6. Mexico Business News, Volvo Group's US$1 billion Nuevo León plant set for 2026 opening, May 22, 2026. https://mexicobusiness.news/automotive/news/volvo-groups-us1-billion-nuevo-leon-plant-set-2026-opening
  7. Autocosmos, Los vehículos hechos en México más exportados durante 2025, January 15, 2026. https://noticias.autocosmos.com.mx/2026/01/15/los-vehiculos-hechos-en-mexico-mas-exportados-durante-2025
  8. Railway Age, CPKC automotive closed loop (page date not shown). https://www.railwayage.com/freight/class-i/cpkc-automotive-closed-loop/
  9. Air Freight News, US Bureau of Transportation Statistics transborder freight data, 2025 annual report, March 17, 2026. https://airfreight.news/articles/full/transborder-freight-data-annual-report-2025
  10. Kelley Drye, Tariff update: list of products covered by the autos tariffs. https://www.kelleydrye.com/viewpoints/blogs/trade-and-manufacturing-monitor/tariff-update-list-of-products-covered-by-the-autos-tariffs
  11. ST&R, More details on tariffs on cars, trucks and auto parts, April 8, 2025. https://www.strtrade.com/trade-news-resources/str-trade-report/trade-report/april/more-details-on-tariffs-on-cars-trucks-and-auto-parts
  12. Federal Register, International Trade Administration, Procedures for submissions by importers of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, FR Doc. 2026-02049, February 2, 2026. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-02-02/pdf/2026-02049.pdf
  13. ST&R, Guidance on applying Section 232 tariffs on cargo trucks (CBP guidance of May 6, 2026), May 8, 2026. https://www.strtrade.com/trade-news-resources/str-trade-report/trade-report/may/guidance-on-applying-section-232-tariffs-on-cargo-trucks
  14. Butzel, New Section 232 tariffs on trucks, truck parts and buses; auto tariff offset expanded, October 21, 2025. https://www.butzel.com/alert-new-section-232-tariffs-on-trucks-truck-parts-and-buses-take-effect-november-1-but-the-auto-tariff-offset-expanded-to-support-suppliers
  15. Baker Donelson, Automotive trade risks escalate as USMCA review, Section 232 tariffs and AD/CVD actions converge, July 15, 2026. https://www.bakerdonelson.com/automotive-trade-risks-escalate-as-usmca-review-section-232-tariffs-and-adcvd-actions-converge
  16. EY Tax News, USTR finalizes Section 301 forced labor tariffs on 60 economies, July 2026. https://taxnews.ey.com/news/2026-1607-ustr-finalizes-section-301-forced-labor-tariffs-on-60-economies-additional-tariffs-of-10-percent-or-125-percent-take-effect-24-july-2026
  17. White & Case, USMCA 2026 joint review: United States declines to extend agreement, July 2, 2026. https://www.whitecase.com/insight-alert/usmca-2026-joint-review-united-states-declines-extend-agreement-triggering-annual
  18. ICPA, USMCA joint review automotive tracker, October 18, 2026. https://www.icpainc.org/usmca-joint-review-automotive/
  19. Dickinson Wright, Summary of automotive provisions of USMCA. https://media.dwlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/03153713/summary-of-automotive-provisions-of-usmca-1.pdf

Trade values are US dollars from UN Comtrade at the 4-digit HS level unless a 6-digit line is named. Mexico and the US record the same shipments under different rules for value, country of origin and timing, so their figures differ. Percent changes compare 2025 with 2020. All facts on this page are as of October 23, 2026, the date of publication, and may have changed since. Rules and tariffs are as of October 23, 2026 and change often: check the corridor watch before you act.

About this brief. Prepared for Ossiano Capital. People planned, researched, wrote and checked this brief, using AI tools to help with research and checking. You are welcome to quote or reuse it: please credit Ossiano Capital and link to this page.

Shrinivas G https://www.mashedavocado.com
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