Given the generally poor condition of the market, the statistics for new semi-trailer registrations continue to surprise. By September, 13,311 new semi-trailers had been registered in Poland, representing an 8.3% year-on-year increase in the market. The largest increase in registrations was recorded for box semi-trailers (1,079 units, +88% y/y), but their sales are linked to fleet contracts, which are independent of current market trends. Curtain-sided semi-trailers, which constitute the largest segment of the semi-trailer market in Poland, recorded an increase of 19%, while reefers and isothermal semi-trailers recorded an increase of approximately 40% y/y. However, according to importers, the number of orders is still low, and the results achieved are partly due to the fulfilment of orders from last year. The problem with tippers is getting worse, with the number of registrations falling by as much as 40% y/y (data: PZPM). There is a clear problem in this area of the market. At the same time, the number of semi-trailers available immediately has decreased. Factories have slowed down their production processes in order to maintain continuity of operation and employment of staff, and are producing to specific orders rather than for stock. This has lengthened the waiting period for orders.
Unstable demand for used semi-trailers and their declining numbers have caused values to remain stable over the last four months. This indicates a temporary stabilisation of the market and perhaps a return to balance between supply and demand. Of the most popular types, reefers and tippers lost the most value on a monthly basis, but these declines are no longer as spectacular as they were in the first half of the year.
There is also stagnation among specialised and municipal semi-trailers. Over the last four months, semi-trailers with moving floors have fallen sharply in price. Following the closure of LPG imports from Russia, there is still an oversupply of LPG gas tankers on the market, which is clearly reflected in their prices. Weak sales of semi-trailers for transporting chemicals are the result of stagnation in the industry. These two types of semi-trailers continue to decline sharply in value. Others are becoming cheaper in a more natural and gradual manner.
Used semi-trailers sales is volatile, but their overall availability on the market is beginning to decline. Statistics from advertisements show that the number of curtain semi-trailers has decreased the most, by as much as 27% year-on-year. The other most popular types of semi-trailers are more or less maintaining their levels. The only exception are reefers, whose number has recently increased by approx. 13% y/y. This may be related to the increased activity of large fleets on the secondary market, which are trying to remarket their rolling stock on their own. In order to speed up this process, they often underestimate the market value and block sales from other sources. In addition, demand for reefers is currently very limited, which also contributes to an increase in the number of offers for them.
The mixed situation indicates a gradual change in the trend, which is currently taking place for selected types of semi-trailers. However, this does not mean a return to full economic prosperity, but rather a return to a balance between supply and demand. The falling supply of used semi-trailers is offset by still low and volatile demand. Year-on-year declines in value remain significant and below long-term levels. A reversal of the situation must be supported by growth in economic indicators, particularly in Western Europe. Sales channels for used semi-trailers must also be unblocked, as they are currently closed due to the war in Ukraine and the embargo on exports to Russia.
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