Automotive production in Portugal falls 19.4% as exports dominate

Automotive production in Portugal recorded a significant decline in July 2026. During the month, 21,373 vehicles were manufactured, 19.4% fewer than in the same period of 2025, according to data from the Portuguese Automobile Association, ACAP.

The biggest decline was seen in passenger cars. In July, 14,669 units in this segment left Portuguese factories, corresponding to a year-on-year reduction of 24.3%. In light commercial vehicles, 6,704 units were produced, a smaller decline of 1.2%.

Data relating to Fuso Trucks Europe was not included in the statistics for this period. Activity at the Tramagal plant was affected by an adjustment to operational planning associated with the transition of the European ordering and distribution model, with no production recorded in either June or July.

Decline is more moderate in the year-to-date figures

Despite the sharp reduction recorded in July, the balance for the first seven months of 2026 shows a more moderate decline.

Between January and July, 197,430 vehicles were produced in Portugal, 3.4% fewer than in the same period of 2025. Of this total, 155,946 were passenger cars, with a reduction of 1.8%, and 40,202 were light commercial vehicles, a segment that fell by 7.4%. A further 1,282 heavy vehicles were produced, 38.2% fewer than in the same period of the previous year.

Exports continue to dominate national production

The external market continues to play a decisive role in the Portuguese automotive industry. Of the vehicles produced in Portugal, 97.9% were destined for export.

Europe remains, by far, the main destination, accounting for 93.7% of exports. Germany leads with 22.4%, followed by France, with 12.2%, Italy, with 11.9%, and Turkey, with 11.1%.

Africa emerges as the second main market, representing 2.7% of exports, with Tunisia standing out. The American continent occupies third place, with a share of 1.9%.

There was also a reduction in the assembly of heavy vehicles in July. A total of 24 units were assembled, 31.4% fewer than in the same month of 2025. Even so, in the cumulative period between January and July, 177 vehicles were assembled, representing growth of 21.2% compared with the previous year.

Of these vehicles, 74% were destined for export. Germany and England were the only external markets to receive the heavy vehicles assembled in Portugal during this period.

The July figures therefore show a particularly negative month for national automotive production. Even so, the more moderate decline in the year-to-date figures and the very high weight of exports continue to demonstrate the strong connection between the Portuguese industry and international markets.

Sources: Notícias ao Minuto, AutoSport, Guia do Automóvel, Portuguese Automobile Association, ACAP