The Philippines’ motorcycle industry remains on an upward trajectory, with sales surging past 700,000 by the end of May, as demand for greater mobility and an affordable mode of transportation continues to sweep the nation.

The latest figures from the Federation of Asian Motorcycle Industries (FAMI) showed that 746,016 motorcycles were sold in the country from January to May, representing an eight percent increase from 688,790 in the same period in 2024.

Taking into account May alone, it posted 150,781 units sold compared to 144,210 in the same month last year.

Last month registered the second-highest number of sales in the motorcycle industry this year, with January still leading with 155,715 units sold, due to strong holiday spending.

FAMI’s data, sourced from the Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association Inc. (MDPPA), showed that domestic production by the end of April recorded 476,405 units—12 percent higher than 425,946 during the first four months of 2024.

MDPPA’s figures were sourced from the local subsidiaries of four giant Japanese motorcycle brands—Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha—along with the Indian brand TVS.

The group accounts for approximately 80 to 90 percent of domestic motorcycle sales and production.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) Chief Economist Michael Ricafort said the continued increase in motorcycle sales and production this year is a testament to the strong consumer demand for more affordable alternatives to passenger cars.

“Motorcycles are also more economical to use in terms of fuel consumption and maintenance costs compared to larger vehicles,” said Ricafort.

Aside from its affordability compared to other vehicles, motorcycles allow riders to better maneuver through heavy traffic, as they require less space on the road.

“Increased sales in recent months could also reflect greater demand for motorcycle taxis and delivery services, as a source of new/additional livelihood for more Filipinos in recent years,” added Ricafort.

The economist, however, noted that there could be a slowdown in the future once the reciprocal tariffs of the United States (US) are reimposed next month, which could drive market uncertainties.

The tariffs and other trade disputes were earlier cited as a factor in the slow growth in vehicle sales in April.

A joint report by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) showed that sales in the first four months of the year reached 150,654 units, a 2.5 percent hike from 146,920 units during the same period last year—the slowest growth in seven months.

Among FAMI’s seven member-associations, Indonesia’s sales topped the list with 2,089,953 units sold. These figures cover only the first four months of the year.

The Philippines, with five months of data, ranked second.

Vietnam, which releases sales data every quarter, placed third with 673,055 units sold in the first quarter of 2025.

Based on the first five months of the year, motorcycle sales this year are on track to outpace the record-high 1,704,898 units sold in 2019.

FAMI data showed that 2019 motorcycle sales stood at 691,739 by the end of May, which is eight percent lower than the reported 746,016 units in 2025.

Last year, over 1.68 million motorcycle units were sold in the country, with production reaching 1.25 million units.