Vietnam automobile imports surge by 24.7% in first nine months

Vietnam's automobile market saw a significant shift in the first nine months of 2026, with imported completely built-up (CBU) vehicles increasing by 24.7% to 193,220 units. This growth represents a 30.7% increase in total import value, reaching approximately $4.46 billion.

Indonesia, China, and Thailand remain the primary suppliers, collectively accounting for roughly 93% of monthly imports. Indonesia and Thailand lead in mass-produced popular models, while China is expanding its presence with a diverse range of internal combustion, hybrid, and electric vehicles.

The rise in imports is placing pressure on domestic manufacturing. According to the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA), CBU vehicle sales rose by 22%, whereas domestically assembled vehicles saw only a 2% increase, creating a sales gap of over 38,000 units. Additionally, the import of automotive components and parts rose by 37.6%, totaling $5.66 billion during the same period.