PartsTrader: OEM parts increase in price, as aftermarket remain flat

OEM new parts are experiencing the most significant price increase, with recycled parts not far behind, according to the latest data from the PartsTrader Collision Parts Price Index.

PartsTrader’s Spring 2026 Collision Industry Report indicates that recycled parts pricing is determined as a percentage of the new OE part they replace.

> The collision repair industry is evolving quickly, shaped by shifting supply chain dynamics, rising parts costs, and increasing pressure to operate more efficiently. As these challenges continue to unfold, businesses are being asked to adapt in real time while maintaining performance, consistency, and profitability.

Parts price trends

Price-matched parts also follow the same trend as the parts they are matching, including some recycled but predominantly aftermarket.

Aftermarket parts prices have remained largely stable, despite being subject to tariffs since April of last year. The report explains that the tariff is levied against the acquisition price of the part and is being partly absorbed by the supplier.

The median delivery days (plus two standard deviations) for all parts in March was 6.9, tying with October for the lowest delivery days. January saw a peak of 7.4 days due to severe storms across the U.S. Delivery days slightly decreased in February but stayed at 7.1 days because of winter storm Hernando, which affected the Northeast.

Delivery times and storms

OEM parts experienced a similar increase in January (9 days) and February (8.7 days) due to the winter storms.

Aftermarket parts had shorter delivery periods. This is because aftermarket suppliers’ inventory generally includes fewer high-volume parts compared to OEM dealers, who might need to source parts from a distribution center several states away.

Aftermarket median delivery days were:

• 3.1 in January
• 3 in February
• 2.9 in March

Recycled parts were more significantly affected by Hernando in February than by the earlier January storms, with median delivery days rising to 3.8 in February. Delivery days for recycled parts were 3.4 in January and March.

The winter storms impacted price-matched parts similarly to OEM parts. Delivery days increased in January to 5.6 days, then decreased slightly in February to 5.5 days before dropping in March to 4.9 days.

OEM parts remained the top choice for collision repairers, accounting for 52% (18,280) of parts purchased. Aftermarket parts followed with 20%, or 7,337 parts ordered. Price-matched parts were next, at 18%, or 6,493 parts ordered. Recycled parts made up a smaller portion, at 6% (2,382).