In March 2025, Schmitz Cargobull's CEO announced that the German manufacturer would increase trailer prices by between three and five percent. The executive explained that this rise was unavoidable, primarily due to a widespread increase in production costs, including energy, labour, and raw materials. The latter, in particular, is critical, affecting essential commodities such as steel and other resources traded in US dollars, whose value has significantly increased over recent months. Combined, these factors are exerting growing pressure on production costs, compelling companies to adopt corrective measures to ensure economic sustainability.
“The decision to pass part of these increased costs on to our customers has not been easy,” said Schmitz. “We find ourselves in a complex and uncertain economic situation, further complicated by a challenging political landscape. However, we cannot sustain operations in the long run by selling below our production costs.” Nevertheless, the CEO reassured customers that if raw material costs decrease in the future, Schmitz Cargobull will promptly reflect these savings in reduced prices for buyers. Despite these challenges, Schmitz Cargobull remains strategically committed to investing in research and development of new technologies and more efficient production processes. Such investments will enable the company to provide customers with innovative, reliable, and economically sustainable transportation solutions in the long term.
In the meantime, Schmitz Cargobull has announced a strategic partnership with GT Trailers, a major manufacturer of large-volume trailers and semi-trailers based in the Opole region of Poland. The agreement, signed in March 2025, involves Schmitz Cargobull acquiring a 48% stake in GT Trailers. The shared goal is to combine expertise in the design and manufacturing of rigid chassis bodies, including curtain-sided, box-bodied, and refrigerated solutions.
Massimiliano Barberis
