Market evolution: Special purpose vehicles (CN 870590) — 2015–2025

Introduction

This report analyses the evolution of EU trade in Special Purpose Motor Vehicles under customs code 870590 between 2015 and 2025. The product is a residual category within the broader group of special purpose vehicles, excluding specific types like concrete-mixer lorries and fire engines. The analysis reveals a decade of significant growth for the EU as a net exporter, characterised by a substantial increase in export value, a shift in the composition of traded goods, and a diversification of trading partners. The EU's trade surplus in this sector widened considerably, underscoring its strong competitive position.

The EU's Export-Led Growth and Widening Trade Surplus

The EU's trade in special purpose vehicles (CN 870590) expanded robustly over the period, driven predominantly by a surge in exports which significantly outpaced import growth. This dynamic led to a substantial increase in the EU's trade surplus.

From 2015 to 2025, the total value of EU exports grew by 38.7%, from €1.33 billion to €1.85 billion, reaching its highest level at the end of the period. In contrast, imports, while also growing, increased by 42.8% from €182.5 million to €260.6 million. Consequently, the EU's trade balance improved by 38.1%, peaking at a surplus of €1.59 billion in 2025. This expanding surplus highlights the EU's consistent role as a leading global supplier of these specialised vehicles.

(Source: General Overview)

Despite the overall value growth, the dynamics of trade volumes tell a more nuanced story. Export volumes in tonnes actually decreased by 6.7% over the period, while the number of exported units (a supplementary count) soared by 195.8%. This indicates a fundamental shift in the composition of exported goods.

A Structural Shift: Towards Lighter, Higher-Value Specialised Vehicles

The divergence between weight-based and unit-count trade metrics reveals a clear structural transformation in the types of special purpose vehicles the EU trades. The market has evolved from exporting heavier, fewer units to exporting a larger number of lighter, likely more technologically advanced or niche vehicles at higher per-unit prices.

Export Composition and Pricing:

• The value per tonne of EU exports increased by 48.7% over the decade, rising from €11,153 in 2015 to €16,581 in 2025. This signifies a move towards higher-value goods.
• Conversely, the average value per exported vehicle (derived from value divided by supplementary quantity) fell by 53.1%, from €51,873 to €24,322. This price drop is offset by the massive 195.8% increase in the number of units exported.

This pattern is explained by the data at the sub-product level. The residual category 870590 is split into two sub-codes:

1. 87059080: The main residual group of special purpose vehicles.
2. 87059030: Concrete-pumping vehicles.

Over the period, the export share by value shifted towards 87059080. In 2025, 87059080 accounted for €1.66 billion of the total €1.85 billion in exports, while concrete-pumping vehicles (87059030) accounted for €190.8 million. The average unit price for exports of 87059080 vehicles was considerably higher than for concrete-pumping vehicles, explaining the rise in overall value per tonne. The dramatic increase in unit count is driven by the exports of the lighter 87059080 category.

(Source: Product Segment Breakdown)

Geographic Diversification and Strengthened Domestic Production

The EU's trade geography became more diversified, and its internal production capacity strengthened, enhancing its resilience and export autonomy.

Changing Partner Landscape: The concentration of EU imports, as measured by the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) for value, decreased by 30.5% (from 2,417 to 1,680), indicating a broadening of import sources. Key shifts include:

• Import Growth: The United Kingdom (+150.1%) and Türkiye (+183.2%) became much larger suppliers, while the historical dominance of Switzerland (value -43.4%) declined.
• Export Diversification: While the UK remained the top destination (value +116.6%), exports grew strongly to Switzerland (+91.4%), Canada (+114.3%), and especially Ukraine (+1000.1%). Saudi Arabia, a major partner, saw a decline in export value (-46.6%).

(Source: Top partners by value)

Strengthening Domestic Base: EU production of special purpose vehicles grew substantially, underpinning the export performance. Production volume in units increased by 133.0% (from 16,310 to 38,000 p/st), and production value rose by 140.5% (from €1.07 billion to €2.57 billion). This growth solidified the EU's position, as evidenced by the Net Import Reliance metric, which became more negative (from -88.7% to -139.4%), signifying a stronger net export orientation. The country-level specialisation data confirms Italy and Germany as the dominant production hubs within the EU.

(Source: Production volumes)

Conclusion

Between 2015 and 2025, the EU consolidated its position as a major global exporter of special purpose motor vehicles (CN 870590). The period was marked by strong value growth, a significant structural shift towards exporting a higher volume of lighter, higher-value-per-tonne vehicles, and geographic diversification in both import and export markets. The expansion of EU production capacity directly fuelled this export success, leading to a historically large trade surplus. The data indicates a mature, competitive, and adaptable industry that has successfully navigated market demands over the decade.