South African vehicle exports declined by 11.9% year on year in August, extending the contraction recorded during the first eight months of 2026.
According to the latest monthly sales statistics from the Automotive Business Council (NAAMSA), 35 091 vehicles were exported during the month. This was 4 742 less than the 39 833 units exported in August 2025.
Year-to-date exports declined by 8.8% from 274 027 units during the corresponding period last year to 249 884 units.
Light commercial vehicle exports recorded the steepest decline among the major segments, falling by 17.2% year on year in August and by 29% during the first eight months of the year.
In contrast, aggregate domestic new vehicle sales increased by 11.4% to 57 898 units during August, supported by easing headline inflation and stable borrowing rates.
New passenger car sales rose by 11.6% to 41 216 units while sales of light commercial vehicles, bakkies and minibuses increased by 11% to 13 727 units.
Demand also increased in parts of the commercial vehicle market. Medium commercial vehicle sales rose by 16.3% to 805 units while combined sales of heavy trucks and buses increased by 10.1% to 2 150 units.
NAAMSA said the divergence between declining exports and stronger domestic sales highlights the need to strengthen South Africa’s manufacturing supply chains and industrial competitiveness.
Improving domestic demand needs to translate into greater local production, localisation, investment, employment and exports, NAAMSA advised.
The sustainability of vehicle exports and domestic manufacturing depends on cross-cutting industrial reforms and tighter control of operating costs, NAAMSA added. Recent diesel price increases have intensified pressure across commercial supply chains and road freight logistics.
“Macro-economic stability, competitive vehicle financing, energy and logistics costs, infrastructure efficiency and industrial competitiveness ultimately determine whether growing domestic demand can be translated into greater local production, investment, employment and exports,” NAAMSA said.
South African vehicle and component exports reached a record value of R291 billion in 2025, accounting for 15.6% of the country’s total exports to 154 international markets.
The broader automotive sector accounts for 23.8% of South Africa’s manufacturing output and contributes 5.2% to gross domestic product.
