Motorcycle sales in the Philippines accelerated by eight percent to more than 640,000 units in the first four months of the year as fuel prices remained elevated, although the impact of inflation on purchases is already being felt.

Based on data from the Federation of Asian Motorcycle Industries (FAMI), the local motorcycle industry sold 643,776 units from January to April, an improvement from 595,235 in the same period last year.

FAMI sourced its data from the Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association Inc. (MDPPA), whose members represent the bulk of the country’s motorcycle sales.

While motorcycle sales were already expected to grow this year, their upward momentum was further strengthened by the recent surge in oil prices, as consumers became more inclined to purchase cost-efficient vehicles.

However, FAMI data showed that growth eased on a monthly basis, as sales in April declined by 17 percent to 146,908 units from the year-high 178,557 units sold in March. Year-on-year, sales during the month also slipped from the 147,380 units sold in April 2025.

Inflation, which measures the rate of increase in the prices of goods and services, quickened to a three-year high of 7.2 percent in April.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said the surge in costs has started to weigh on motorcycle sales as consumers’ purchasing power softens.

Ricafort said higher borrowing or financing costs, alongside the risk of job losses, also influenced the weaker sales in April.

Despite this, he said overall sales for the year are still on track for growth because of robust demand, particularly in the transport and services sectors.

“There is still increased demand for motorcycle taxis and delivery services that would still support demand for motorcycles,” said Ricafort in a Viber message.

MDPPA President Erwin Estrada said in a statement that motorcycle sales will likely expand this year since two-wheeled vehicles provide a practical solution for reducing expenses without sacrificing mobility.

“In the months ahead, this shift is likely to become even more pronounced as riders look for reliable ways to stay mobile despite increasing costs,” he said.

FAMI data also showed that MDPPA members produced 503,632 motorcycles in the first quarter, up 5.7 percent from the 476,405 units produced in the same period last year.

MDPPA comprises the local subsidiaries of Japanese motorcycle brands Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha.

Among FAMI member economies, the Philippines ranked third in terms of sales volume, trailing Vietnam, which recorded 729,121 motorcycle sales in the first quarter.

Indonesia was the top motorcycle market in FAMI, with sales reaching 2.14 million by the end of April.