Russia's Heavy Truck Market Falls 17% in H1 2026 as Chinese Brands Lose Ground
Russia sold 18,194 new heavy trucks in the first half of 2026, down 17.3% year-on-year, according to Avtostat. KAMAZ and Ural gained volume while Chinese brands Sitrak and FAW dropped sharply, and June data pointed to stabilization.
Market contracts but finds a floor
Russia's market for heavy trucks with a gross vehicle weight of 16 tonnes and above contracted sharply in the first half of 2026. Between January and June, 18,194 new units were sold, 17.3% fewer than in the same period of 2025, according to the analytical agency Avtostat, citing data from JSC PPK presented during its "Avtostat Operativka" broadcast. The agency noted that the decline was expected, but its depth exceeded the forecasts of many market participants.
Observers link the downturn to the overheating of the market a year earlier, changes in lending conditions, and a broader slowdown in the economy. June, however, was more encouraging: dealers moved 2,899 heavy commercial vehicles, 1.1% below June 2025 but 2.1% above May, a sign that the market is stabilizing.
Domestic makers gain, Chinese brands retreat
Russian manufacturers held firm against the general decline. KAMAZ remained the clear leader with 6,981 trucks sold, close to 40% of the total volume, and raised its sales by 8.8% against the falling market. Ural also moved against the trend, adding 3.4% to reach 1,147 units.
Chinese brands lost significant ground. Sitrak sold 1,545 trucks, a drop of 61.2%, while FAW delivered 1,510 units, down 23.4%. Belarus's MAZ closed the top five with 1,367 units and a decline of 18%.
Model ranking
- KAMAZ 43118 held first place with 1,664 units, down 13.2%.
- Sitrak C7H took second with 1,544 units, down 61.2%.
- KAMAZ 54901 followed with 1,496 units, up 42.3%.
- KAMAZ 65115 reached 1,464 units, up 13.4%.
- Dongfeng 4180 closed the five with the strongest growth, 24.7%, at 1,046 units.
What it means for the second half
The mix of results shows a market where domestic brands are consolidating share while imported Chinese models absorb the steepest losses. For importers, the collapse of Sitrak volumes and the double-digit fall at FAW point to weaker demand for Chinese heavy trucks after last year's surge. The stronger performance of KAMAZ's newer models, the 54901 and 65115, suggests buyers are shifting toward domestic products as financing conditions tighten. The second half of the year will show whether these positions can be held.