Final Class 8 orders for North America were down 21% year over year in August, ACT Research says.
"August marks the eighth consecutive month of year over year Class 8 order declines," says Carter Vieth, research analyst at ACT. "Even with the caveat that August is a seasonally weak order month, just ahead of next year's orderboards opening, this month's tractor orders of 7,493 units, down 34% year over year, were notably weak, but in line with the trend since April. Current tariff and regulatory purgatory continue to sow industry uncertainty."
Vocational Class 8 orders were up 7.8% year over year, totaling 5,351 units. Last August, Vieth says, was the weakest month for vocational orders in 2024.
"On a year-to-date basis, vocational orders were down 20% in 2025 compared to 2024," Vieth says. "Vocational, like the tractor market, continues to be hampered in the short-to-medium term by policy fluctuations related to tariffs, federal funds and regulations. Also, softness in end markets like housing are not helpful."
Medium-duty orders fell 24% year over year to 14,513 units.
"MD orders have slowed notably this year, as still elevated inventories, a weaker economic outlook and notable increased consumer pessimism weigh on MD demand," Veith adds.
The data was reported in ACT's State of the Industry: NA Classes 5-8, released Thursday.
