Automobile imports fall in July

Automobile imports fell in July compared with the previous month, and also against the same period last year.

In the first half of July, just 1,985 cars were imported – 200 units less than that in the same period last month – worth US$44 million, according to the General Department of Viet Nam Customs.

The Viet Nam Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (VAMA) said Government policies were to blame for the fall in imports.

“The Government has issued a number of policies to limit imports,” said Nguyen Trung Hieu, an official from VAMA. He also said that car imports typically declined at this time of year.

Of the vehicles imported, 1,338 could seat fewer than nine passengers. The industry spent US$15.8 million importing these cars.

“According to our study, demand for vehicles that can seat fewer than five people is growing,” Hieu said.

In the first 15 days of July, just 33 cars that could seat more than nine passengers were imported, worth $215,000.

Meanwhile, 453 lorries were imported, worth about $16.6 million.

Industry experts predict that car imports in July will number between 4,000 to 4,100 units – 400-500 units fewer than in June, and 3,000 units down on last July.

From the beginning of the year to mid-July, 24,557 cars were imported, worth $443 million.