PartsTrader: OEM parts increase in price, as aftermarket remain flat
OEM new parts are seeing the largest increase in pricing, with recycled parts tracking closely behind, according to the latest data from the PartsTrader Collision Parts Price Index.
PartsTrader’s Spring 2026 Collision Industry Report states that recycled parts pricing is established using a percentage of the new OE part it replaces.
“The collision repair industry is evolving quickly, shaped by shifting supply chain dynamics, rising parts costs, and increasing pressure to operate more efficiently,” the report states. “As these challenges continue to unfold, businesses are being asked to adapt in real time while maintaining performance, consistency, and profitability.”
Price-matched parts also mirror the trajectory of the parts they are price-matching, the report states. This includes some recycled but predominantly aftermarket.
According to the report, aftermarket parts prices have remained essentially flat, despite being subject to tariffs since April of last year.
“The tariff is levied against the acquisition price of the part, and is being partly absorbed by the supplier,” the report says.
The median delivery days (plus two standard deviations) for all parts in March was 6.9. It tied October for the lowest delivery days.
January saw a high point of 7.4 days, attributed to severe storms across the U.S., the report states. Delivery days slightly dropped in February but remained at 7.1 days due to winter storm Hernando that impacted the Northeast.
OEM parts saw the same increase in January (9) and February (8.7) from the winter storms, the report states.
Aftermarket parts had shorter delivery periods because aftermarket suppliers’ inventory includes fewer high-volume parts when compared to OEM dealers, who may have to acquire parts from a distribution center a few states away, according to the report. Aftermarket median delivery days were 3.1 in January, 3 in February, and 2.9 in March.
Recycled parts were more greatly impacted by Hernando in February than the earlier January storms, with median delivery days increasing to 3.8 in February. The delivery days were 3.4 in January and March.
The winter storms impacted price-matched parts similarly to OEM parts, with delivery days increasing in January to 5.6 days, then decreasing slightly in February to 5.5 days before dropping in March to 4.9 days.
OEM parts remained collision repairers’ top choice, at 52% (18,280) of parts purchased. Aftermarket followed with 20%, or 7,337 parts ordered. Price-matched parts were next, at 18%, or 6,493 parts ordered. Recycled parts ordered made up a small portion, at 6% (2,382).
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