Russian Heavy Truck Sales Fall 17% in H1 2026 as KAMAZ Gains and Chinese Brands Retreat
Russia sold 18,194 new heavy trucks in the first half of 2026, down 17.3% year on year, according to Avtostat. KAMAZ expanded sales by 8.8% and Ural by 3.4%, while Chinese brands Sitrak and FAW fell 61.2% and 23.4%. June figures point to stabilization.
Market contracts more than expected
Sales of heavy trucks in Russia fell sharply in the first half of 2026, according to figures published by the analytical agency Avtostat. Between January and June, 18,194 new vehicles with a gross weight of 16 tonnes or more were sold in the country — 17.3% fewer than in the same period of 2025. The data, drawn from reports by JSC PPK, were presented during Avtostat's "Operativka" livestream. The decline had been anticipated, but Avtostat notes its depth exceeded the forecasts of many market participants.
Observers cited by Avtostat link the downturn to an overheated market in the previous year, changes in lending conditions and a broader slowdown in the economy.
Domestic producers hold ground
While most of the market shrank, Russian manufacturers proved resilient. KAMAZ remained the clear leader with 6,981 trucks sold — close to 40% of the entire market. Unlike most competitors, the manufacturer increased its sales by 8.8%. Ural also moved against the trend, adding 3.4% to reach 1,147 units.
The pattern was mirrored in the model ranking. The KAMAZ 43118 kept first place with 1,664 units, though sales fell 13.2%. Two other KAMAZ models posted growth: the KAMAZ 54901 rose 42.3% to 1,496 units, and the KAMAZ 65115 gained 13.4% to 1,464 units.
Chinese brands lose share
Chinese truck makers gave up substantial ground. Sitrak sold 1,545 vehicles, a drop of 61.2%, while FAW moved 1,510 units, down 23.4%. Belarusian manufacturer MAZ closed the top five with 1,367 trucks and an 18% decline.
In the model table, the Sitrak C7H took second place with 1,544 units but recorded the same 61.2% fall. One Chinese model bucked the trend: the Dongfeng 4180 posted the strongest dynamics in the top five, rising 24.7% to 1,046 units.
Signs of stabilization
June 2026 offered a more optimistic reading. Dealers registered 2,899 heavy commercial vehicles during the month — 1.1% below June 2025, but 2.1% above May. Avtostat says the market is showing signs of stabilization, with the second half of the year set to determine whether producers can hold their positions.