European fleets are renewing: why plenty of used trucks are now becoming available for export

For buyers exporting equipment, the European market looks favourable in 2026. A combination of regulations is pushing carriers within the EU to renew their fleets, which is releasing a steady stream of well-maintained used trucks. We explain why, and what it means for export buyers.

Regulations are driving European fleet renewal

Several developments point in the same direction. Cities are expanding their low-emission and zero-emission zones, so older diesels are no longer welcome there. The new truck toll charges per kilometre by emission class, which rewards cleaner driving. And from 2027, the European emissions trading system ETS2 will be added, putting a CO2 price on fuel for road transport. Together, these factors reduce the appeal, and with it the residual value, of older diesel trucks within the EU.

What drops out within the EU still has years of service elsewhere

A diesel truck that runs up against restrictions in Western Europe is often still perfectly usable outside the EU. In many export markets those low-emission zones and charges do not apply, and a robust engine and simple maintenance are actually an advantage. In this way, reliable European vehicles get a second life in places where they continue to deliver value for years to come.

Demand from outside Europe is growing

At the same time, demand from export destinations is picking up. Africa has been growing for years as a market for used European trucks, and manufacturers are responding: DAF, for example, opened a new Used Truck Center in Warsaw, Poland, to serve the growing demand for used trucks. East-West traffic within and around Europe also remains lively.

Keep an eye on the exchange rate

If you buy in dollars, keep an eye on the euro rate. At the beginning of July 2026, the euro was trading at around 1.145 dollars. That rate partly determines your effective purchase price, so it pays to choose the right moment.

A favourable window for export buyers

All in all, this creates an attractive moment: a broad supply of well-maintained European diesels at reasonable prices, driven by fleet renewal that will continue over the coming years. With hundreds of thousands of new heavy trucks expected to hit the road in Europe in 2026, the used truck market will keep filling up in the longer term too.

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