Puerto Rico Auto Sales Data
Puerto Rico’s automotive market operates on a July-June fiscal year, providing unique insight into vehicle demand across the territory. This page tracks monthly sales performance from fiscal year 2017 through the present, revealing market dynamics shaped by economic conditions, interest rates, and consumer confidence distinct from the mainland United States.
Market Overview
Latest Data: August 2026 recorded 8,127 vehicle sales, down 18.1% from August 2025. Fiscal year 2025 (July 2025-June 2026) totaled 119,333 units, declining 6.4% from the prior year’s peak of 127,525 units.
The data reveals a market that surged during post-pandemic recovery, peaked in fiscal year 2024, and now faces pressure as economic conditions shift.
Key Statistics
FY 2025 Performance
- Total Sales: 119,333 units
- Year-over-Year: -6.4%
- Average Monthly: 9,944 units
Historical Context
- Peak Month: December 2021 (13,983 units)
- Peak Year: FY 2024 (127,525 units)
- Pre-Pandemic Average: ~95,000-100,000 units/year
Current Trend (FY 2026 YTD)
- July 2026: 8,052 units (-17.9% YoY)
- August 2026: 8,127 units (-18.1% YoY)
Monthly Sales Data by Fiscal Year
Scroll horizontally to view all fiscal years. Latest data highlighted in yellow.
| Month | FY 2017 | FY 2018 | FY 2019 | FY 2020 | FY 2021 | FY 2022 | FY 2023 | FY 2024 | FY 2025 | FY 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| July | 6,644 | 6,947 | 9,724 | 7,633 | 10,595 | 10,926 | 9,709 | 10,598 | 9,806 | 8,052 |
| August | 6,810 | 7,216 | 9,156 | 8,238 | 8,691 | 10,755 | 10,031 | 11,000 | 9,926 | 8,127 |
| September | 6,270 | 2,271 | 8,335 | 7,547 | 8,432 | 9,570 | 8,076 | 11,343 | 8,934 | — |
| October | 6,576 | 5,636 | 8,595 | 8,628 | 10,669 | 9,283 | 11,174 | 10,896 | 9,788 | — |
| November | 7,758 | 9,354 | 10,001 | 10,507 | 10,861 | 9,346 | 9,147 | 11,124 | 10,864 | — |
| December | 11,732 | 11,336 | 12,702 | 12,498 | 13,983 | 11,809 | 11,082 | 11,538 | 11,655 | — |
| January | 6,340 | 7,721 | 8,171 | 6,653 | 10,085 | 10,407 | 9,505 | 9,459 | 8,595 | — |
| February | 6,715 | 6,828 | 7,721 | 8,402 | 10,540 | 11,117 | 9,309 | 9,275 | 9,000 | — |
| March | 7,166 | 8,026 | 9,307 | 3,132 | 11,697 | 11,186 | 10,732 | 10,602 | 12,072 | — |
| April | 5,903 | 8,105 | 7,351 | 287 | 10,814 | 10,833 | 10,870 | 10,239 | 10,523 | — |
| May | 6,818 | 9,152 | 8,863 | 2,666 | 12,686 | 10,326 | 11,158 | 10,679 | 9,642 | — |
| June | 8,378 | 9,596 | 10,160 | 10,648 | 11,636 | 10,516 | 10,458 | 10,772 | 8,528 | — |
Puerto Rico Monthly Auto Sales (FY 2017 - FY 2026)
Year-over-Year Growth Rate (%)
Understanding Puerto Rico’s Unique Market
Fiscal Year Reporting: Unlike the mainland U.S., Puerto Rico reports on a July-June fiscal year. FY 2025 = July 2025 through June 2026.
Import Dependence: Every vehicle arrives by ship, creating inventory lag and limiting selection compared to mainland markets.
December Seasonality: Year-end bonus payments and holiday spending drive December to consistently account for 10-11% of annual volume, higher than the mainland’s 8-9%.
Interest Rate Pressure: As a U.S. territory, buyers face Federal Reserve rates plus territory-specific credit risk premiums, often resulting in 7-9% auto loan rates.
Brand Concentration: Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai, and Kia dominate sales, reflecting both reliability reputation and aggressive dealer network presence.
Market Trajectory
FY 2020-2021: Pandemic crash followed by sharp recovery
FY 2022-2024: Sustained growth reaching 127,525 units in FY 2024
FY 2025: First contraction at 119,333 units (-6.4%)
FY 2026 YTD: Acceleration of decline, -18% year-over-year
The current data suggests a market recalibrating after unsustainable post-pandemic growth. Whether FY 2026 stabilizes near 100,000 units or continues contracting will determine dealer network viability through 2027.
What Drives These Numbers
Economic Factors: Puerto Rico’s GDP growth lags the mainland consistently. Vehicle sales serve as a real-time indicator of consumer confidence and purchasing power.
Migration Impact: Continued outmigration to the mainland reduces the potential buyer base, while returning residents often bring mainland-purchased vehicles.
Commercial Fleet: Tourism recovery and construction activity drive commercial vehicle demand, representing roughly 20-25% of the market.
Affordability Crisis: New vehicle transaction prices in Puerto Rico run 5-10% above mainland pricing due to shipping costs and limited inventory. Combined with elevated interest rates, this compresses affordability for median-income households.
Looking Forward
The next six months of data—September 2026 through February 2027—will be critical. If monthly volumes stabilize in the 8,000-9,000 unit range, FY 2026 finishes near 100,000-105,000 units. If declines accelerate, the market enters territory not seen since the pandemic’s darkest months.
Puerto Rico’s automotive market remains a small but important indicator of the territory’s economic health. Vehicle sales reflect consumer confidence, credit availability, and economic stability in real-time. The current contraction suggests challenges ahead, but the market has weathered worse and recovered.
Data represents automobile and light truck sales in Puerto Rico on a fiscal year basis (July-June). All figures sourced from official Puerto Rico Auto Sales reporting.
Sources: Manufacturers, ANDC, JATO Dynamics.
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