North American Class 8 truck orders fell to 18,300 units in February, a 34% year-over-year decline, according to preliminary data from ACT Research. Seasonally adjusted orders dropped 28% from January to 16,700 units, marking the lowest adjusted level in nearly two years.

Carter Vieth, a research analyst at ACT Research, attributed the decline to economic and trade policy uncertainty following the transition to a new presidential administration. “The past two months have largely been defined by trade and economic policy uncertainty, as the new administration has thrown a wrench into business planning,” Vieth said.

Whether the decline signals broader economic softening or is a temporary reaction to shifting policies remains uncertain. Medium-duty truck orders also slowed, with Classes 5-7 orders falling 11% year-over-year to 17,100 units.

Final industry data for February, including confirmed order numbers, will be published by ACT Research in mid-March.