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Semi-Trailer Market Analysis & Forecast: 2025-2032

Semi-Trailer Market, By Type (Dry Vans, Flat Bed Trailer, Refrigerated Trailers, Lowboy Trailers, Tankers, and Others), and By Geography (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa)

  • Historical Range: 2020 - 2024
  • Forecast Period: 2025 - 2032

Semi-Trailer Market Analysis & Forecast

Semi-Trailer Market size is estimated to be valued at USD 34.74 Bn in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 44.8 Bn in 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7% from 2025 to 2032.

Key Takeaways

  • By Type, the Dry Vans segment is expected to dominate the global semi-trailer market, holding approximately 25.0% of the total market share throughout the forecast period, owing to their versatility and widespread use in general freight transportation.
  • By Region, North America is projected to lead the global semi-trailer market outlook, capturing around 33.40% of the revenue share, driven by its mature logistics infrastructure, strong interstate commerce, and high demand for technologically advanced trailers.

Market Overview

The Global Semi-Trailers Market is expected to grow significantly in the next few years due to increasing construction activities worldwide.  The factors that are driving this growth are rising construction activities, bulging dependency on road transportation and demand from logistics sector.  Due to the increasing demand for cold chain products, such as frozen foods and pharmaceuticals, the market will witness increasing growth in the coming future.

Current Events and Its Impact on the Global Semi-Trailers Market

Event

Description and Impact

US-China Trade Relations and Tariff Policies

  • Description: Ongoing U.S. tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum imports (25% and 10% respectively) continue to inflate input costs. For instance, Wabash reported a 17% increase in raw material procurement costs in Q1 2025.
  • Impact: Raises production expenses for semi-trailer manufacturers by 15– 25%, pressuring margins and increasing end-user prices.
  • Description: U.S.-China trade tensions have dampened cross-border freight activity. According to the American Trucking Associations, container movement between the two nations dropped by 11.4% YoY in early 2025.
  • Impact: Decreases demand for container chassis trailers, especially in international shipping corridors.
  • Description: To reduce geopolitical risk, manufacturers like Great Dane are investing in new assembly plants in Mexico and Vietnam as part of supply chain diversification.
  • Impact: Creates nearshoring and friend-shoring opportunities, supporting resilient semi-trailer production capacity.

European Union Green Deal and Emissions Regulations

  • Description: The EU’s enforcement of Euro 7 emissions standards starting mid-2025 is prompting OEMs to reduce truck-trailer weight. Krone has introduced a lightweight aluminum semi-trailer model in response.
  • Impact: Drives increased demand for lightweight and aerodynamic semi-trailer designs.
  • Description: The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), effective from 2026, imposes taxes on high-emission imports.
  • Impact: Elevates costs for semi-trailers imported from high-carbon regions, favoring EU-based eco-compliant manufacturers.
  • Description: EU investments exceeding €1.5 billion in electric vehicle charging infrastructure (2024–2027) support the rise of e-trucks. 
  • Impact: Spurs demand for semi-trailers with electric-compatible systems, such as battery-integrated and regenerative braking trailers.

Global Supply Chain Disruptions and Semiconductor Shortages

  • Description: Ongoing semiconductor shortages have delayed availability of smart trailer features like GPS, tire pressure sensors, and telematics units. Hyundai Translead reported a 9-month lead time for some modules in 2025.
  • Impact: Slows adoption of high-end, connected semi-trailers.
  • Description: Price volatility in steel and aluminum continues due to global demand-supply mismatches. Steel prices rose 21% YoY as of April 2025, impacting overall trailer production costs.
  • Impact: Compresses margins and forces cost pass-through to buyers.
  • Description: Global shipping container shortages, especially in Asia-Europe routes, have disrupted container logistics.
  • Impact: Reduces container chassis demand but boosts demand for dry van and refrigerated trailers in domestic trucking markets.

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Semi-trailer Market Growth Factors

Increased developed technologies with rising manufacturing and producing new innovations in semi-trailer for ease of transportation and increase in transportation method are major factors growing the market of semi-trailer with increased demand from the market.

Increased opportunities for the utilization of semi-trailers in coming years and increased the market size during the forecast period.

Segmental Insights

Semi-Trailer Market By Type

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Global Semi-Trailer Market Insights, By Type

The semi-trailer market is segmented into Dry Vans, Flat Bed Trailers, Refrigerated Trailers, Lowboy Trailers, Tankers, and Others. Among these, the Dry Vans segment is expected to dominate the global market with 25.0% share throughout the forecast period, owing to their versatility and cost-efficiency.

Dry vans are widely used to transport freight that requires nominal protection from road and weather conditions. Fleet operators in both full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) sectors prefer dry vans due to their adaptability and economic benefits, which drive sustained demand and market leadership for this segment.

For instance, in December 2024, Wabash, announced the new 2026 model year DuraPlate Dry Vans that features enhancement that elevate performance and value.

Regional Insights

Semi-Trailer Market Regional Insights

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North America Semi-Trailer Market Analysis and Trends

North America is projected to exhibit substantial growth in the global semi-trailer market, capturing a 33.40% share during the forecast period. The region’s expansive retail sector and dominant trucking industry are primary growth drivers.

Additionally, an aging fleet of semi-trailers is creating strong replacement demand for advanced, modern trailers with improved safety and efficiency features. Supportive government regulations concerning weight carrying capacity and trailer dimensions further facilitate market expansion. Together, these factors underpin robust growth prospects for the semi-trailer market in North America.

For instance in January 2023, Volvo Trucks announced the launch of its new Volvo VNL in North America that set the new standards in heavy-duty tracking.

Asia Pacific Semi-Trailer Market Analysis and Trends

Asia Pacific is expected to register promising growth in the semi-trailer market over the forecast period. Rapid industrialization in developing countries such as China and India, coupled with expanding supply chain and logistics networks, fuels market demand.

The booming e-commerce industry in this region is anticipated to drive particularly strong growth for dry van trailers, as companies optimize last-mile and long-haul transportation. Increasing investments in transportation infrastructure and fleet modernization initiatives further support the region’s ascending market trajectory.

Dominating Countries in the Semi-Trailer Market

United States Semi-Trailer Market Analysis and Trends]

The United States is a key contributor to North America’s semi-trailer market, benefiting from one of the largest trucking industries worldwide. High volumes of freight movement, combined with stringent safety and regulatory standards, drive demand for technologically advanced and durable semi-trailers. Fleet modernization efforts aimed at replacing aging vehicles with fuel-efficient and compliant trailers reinforce market growth.

China Semi-Trailer Market Analysis and Trends

China leads the Asia Pacific semi-trailer market, supported by a vast and rapidly expanding logistics network. The country’s growing e-commerce sector significantly boosts demand for semi-trailers, particularly dry van types, used for warehousing and distribution. Government initiatives aimed at improving transportation infrastructure and freight efficiency further catalyze the market.

India Semi-Trailer Market Analysis and Trends

India is an emerging semi-trailer market in the Asia Pacific region, driven by rapid urbanization and expanding supply chain networks. Growth in organized retail and e-commerce sectors is increasing the demand for semi-trailers that offer flexibility and cost-effectiveness in freight transportation. Government efforts to upgrade highway infrastructure and implement vehicle regulations are expected to accelerate market adoption.

Market Report Scope

Semi-Trailer Market Report Coverage

Report Coverage Details
Base Year: 2024 Market Size in 2025: USD 34.74 Bn
Historical Data for: 2020 To 2024 Forecast Period: 2025 To 2032
Forecast Period 2025 to 2032 CAGR: 3.7% 2032 Value Projection: USD 44.8 Bn
Geographies covered:
  • North America: U.S. and Canada
  • Latin America: Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, and Rest of Latin America
  • Europe: Germany, U.K., Spain, France, Italy, Russia, and Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific: China, India, Japan, Australia, South Korea, ASEAN, and Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Middle East: GCC Countries, Israel, and Rest of Middle East
  • Africa: South Africa, North Africa, and Central Africa
Segments covered:
  • By Type: Dry Vans, Flat Bed Trailer, Refrigerated Trailers, Lowboy Trailers, Tankers, and Others
Companies covered:

Schmitz Cargobull, China International Marine Containers (Group) Ltd., Polar Tank Trailer, Llc (Entrans International, Llc Company), Fontaine Commercial Trailer, Inc., Lamberet Sas (Xinfei France Sa), Great Dane, Krone Commercial Vehicle Group (Bernard Krone Holding), and Kogel Trailer Gmbh & Co.Kg.

Growth Drivers:
  • Improving infrastructure of road and traffic
  • Expansion of cold chain industry
Restraints & Challenges:
  • Presence of local players in unorganized sector    
  • Certain rules and regulations around development of semi-trailers

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Global Semi-Trailer Market Drivers

  • Improving infrastructure of road and traffic to boost the market growth

Logistics industry is one of the major end users of semi-trailers. These trailers and trucks are increasingly being used to transport goods. With changes in lifestyle and growing urbanization, people are inclining towards getting delivery of products and goods directly to them.

Semi-trailers are also utilized in transporting goods and machinery used in other sectors, such as infrastructure development. As a result, the investment in road infrastructure is rapidly increasing across emerging countries. This in turn is expected to drive growth of the global semi-trailer market over the forecast period.

  • Expansion of cold chain industry to propel the market growth

The cold chain goods such as poultry, pharmaceutical products, fish, fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables, and dairy products are increasing in demand as the purchasing power among the middle-class population. Furthermore, rising disposable income in emerging countries is allowing people to spend more on organic, fresh and prime quality products. As a result, the cold chain industry is expanding constantly, which in turn is expected to propel growth of the global semi-trailer market over the forecast period.

Global Semi-Trailer Market Opportunities

Availability of custom-built semi-trailers is likely to bring multiple opportunities in the global semi-trailer market over the forecast period. The industry requirements and specification standards continue to evolve in the industry, due to which semi-trailers market vendors are producing more customized and specialized semi-trailers designed for serving particular purposes. This factor is creating several opportunities in the global semi-trailer market.

Emergence of electric semi-trailers is anticipated to offer business opportunities in the global semi-trailer market in the coming future. Automotive industry has witnessed technological advancements in past few years. Due to this, there is a shift towards electric vehicles from gas engine vehicles in the industry.

Several automotive manufacturers are offering fully-electric cars. Similarly, manufacturers in trailers and trucks industry are also focusing on development of fully-electric semi-trailers. Thus, the market is expected to witness various growth opportunities in the global semi-trailer market over the forecast period.

Global Semi-Trailer Market Trends

  • Increasing growth of European logistics industry is a recent trend

Increasing growth of European logistics industry is trending in the global semi-trailer market over the forecast period. According to the Coherent Market Insights, in 2020, nearly 75% of all inland freight in the EU was moved through roads, and transportation of freight was carried out nearly 1.7 kilometers on roads in Europe.

Moreover, the rail transport has reduced in recent years in this region. Thus, the growing expansion of logistics industry in this region is expected to boost growth of the global semi-trailer market over the forecast period.

  • Growing Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry is another trend in the market

Growing Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry is another trend in the global semi-trailer market over the forecast period. These products are of limited shelf life as they include perishable items fruits, meat, vegetables, baked goods, and dairy products. The items that are purchased regularly are mostly low cost and are marketed in large quantities.

Increasing population, growth in income, favorable regulations and digitization are driving the growth of this industry. This in turn is expected to propel growth of the semi-trailer market over the forecast period.

Analyst Viewpoint

  • The semi-trailer market is experiencing strong growth, largely propelled by the booming e-commerce sector and rising demand for efficient last-mile delivery solutions. Logistics companies are expanding fleets to meet consumer expectations for faster shipping, driving demand for advanced semi-trailers. The adoption of telematics and IoT device tracking has become essential, allowing operators to optimize routes and improve operational efficiency.
  • Despite positive momentum, the market faces challenges from stringent emission regulations and tightening environmental standards globally. Rising fuel prices and driver shortages add pressure on profit margins, pushing companies to innovate. Additionally, supply chain disruptions and fluctuating raw material costs have complicated manufacturing schedules.
  • Electrification offers significant growth opportunities, with increasing investments in electric and hybrid semi-trailers supported by government incentives promoting cleaner transport. Autonomous driving technology also holds promise to transform freight efficiency in the long term.
  • North America remains the leading market, benefiting from established logistics networks and infrastructure. Meanwhile, the Asia-Pacific region is the fastest-growing market, driven by rapid industrialization, expanding manufacturing, and increased cross-border trade. Countries like China and India are central to this growth, supported by infrastructure investments and rising domestic demand, positioning Asia-Pacific as a key market driver.

Key Developments

  • In July 2025, Helrom, a German company specializing in the rail transport of semi-trailers, implemented a new connection between Katowice in southwestern Poland and Düsseldorf in western Germany.
  • In April 2023, Randon Companies launched, in São Paulo, an exclusive semi-trailer with an electric auxiliary traction system, the Hybrid R solution.

Market Segmentation

  • Global Semi-Trailer Market, By Type
    • Dry Vans
    • Flat Bed Trailer
    • Refrigerated Trailers
    • Lowboy Trailers
    • Tankers
    • Others
  • Global Semi-Trailer Market, By Region
    • North America
      • U.S.
      • Canada
    • Latin America
      • Brazil
      • Argentina
      • Mexico
      • Rest of Latin America
    • Europe
      • Germany
      • U.K.
      • Spain
      • France
      • Italy
      • Russia
      • Rest of Europe
    • Asia Pacific
      • China
      • India
      • Japan
      • Australia
      • South Korea
      • ASEAN
      • Rest of Asia Pacific
    • Middle East
      • GCC Countries
      • Israel
      • Rest of Middle East
    • Africa
      • South Africa
      • North Africa
      • Central Africa
  • Company Profiles
    • Schmitz Cargobull,
    • China International Marine Containers (Group) Ltd.
    • Polar Tank Trailer, Llc (Entrans International, Llc Company)
    • Fontaine Commercial Trailer, Inc.
    • Lamberet Sas (Xinfei France Sa)
    • Great Dane
    • Krone Commercial Vehicle Group (Bernard Krone Holding)
    • Kogel Trailer Gmbh & Co.Kg.

Sources

Primary Research Interviews

  • Semi-trailer manufacturers and OEMs
  • Fleet operators and logistics companies
  • Commercial vehicle dealers and distributors
  • Transportation industry expert
  • Others

Databases

  • Commercial Vehicle Database (CVD)
  • Transportation Research Board (TRB) Database
  • International Road Transport Union (IRU) Statistics
  • Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Database
  • Others

Magazines

  • Commercial Carrier Journal
  • Fleet Owner Magazine
  • Trucking Info Magazine
  • Heavy Duty Trucking Magazine
  • Transport Topics
  • Others

Journals

  • Journal of Transportation Engineering
  • Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review
  • International Journal of Heavy Vehicle Systems
  • Others

Newspapers

  • Transport Journal
  • Fleet Transport
  • Commercial Motor
  • Trucking Business News
  • Logistics Management Daily
  • Others

Associations

  • American Trucking Associations (ATA)
  • Truck Trailer Manufacturers Association (TTMA)
  • International Association of Commercial Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA)
  • European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA)
  • Others

Public Domain Sources

  • U.S. Department of Transportation reports
  • European Commission transport statistics
  • International Transport Forum (ITF) publications
  • World Bank transport sector data
  • Others

Proprietary Elements

  • CMI Data Analytics Tool
  • Proprietary CMI Existing Repository of information for last 8 years

*Definition: A semi-trailer is a piece of equipment that is attached to the front of a truck. They are often referred to as big rigs or 18 wheelers. They are a great choice for transporting heavy loads over long distances because they can move more quickly than a full trailer, which has both front and rear axles. Semi-trailers are used in a wide variety of sectors, including transportation, logistics, building, and agriculture.

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About Author

Gautam Mahajan is a Research Consultant with 5+ years of experience in market research and consulting. He excels in analyzing market engineering, market trends, competitive landscapes, and technological developments. He specializes in both primary and secondary research, as well as strategic consulting across diverse sectors.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The Semi-Trailer Market size is estimated to be valued at USD 34.74 Bn in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 44.8 Bn by 2032.

The CAGR of the global market is projected to be 3.7% from 2025 to 2032.

Improving infrastructure of road and traffic and expansion of cold chain industry are fuelling the market.

The Dry Vans segment is the leading component segment in the market.

Presence of local players in unorganized sector and certain rules and regulations around development of semi-trailers are the major factors restraining growth of the market.

Schmitz Cargobull, China International Marine Containers (Group) Ltd., Polar Tank Trailer, Llc (Entrans International, Llc Company), Fontaine Commercial Trailer, Inc., Lamberet Sas (Xinfei France Sa), Great Dane, Krone Commercial Vehicle Group (Bernard Krone Holding), and Kogel Trailer Gmbh & Co.Kg.

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