China Tops Vietnam's Auto Import Rankings for the First Time

Core Data/Events According to the latest statistics from Vietnam Customs, in January 2026, Vietnam registered imports of 15,042 completely built-up (CBU) vehicles, a year-on-year increase of 110%, with an import value of approximately US$385 million. A historic shift occurred in the supply landscape: ● China Tops for First Time: Imports from China reached 6,661 vehicles, accounting for 44.3% of Vietnam’s total CBU imports, surpassing Indonesia (4,141 units) and Thailand (3,015 units). The three markets together supplied 13,817 vehicles, representing 92% of Vietnam’s January imports. ● Commercial Vehicle Dominance:

Transport Vehicles: 3,669 units imported in January, of which 2,138 came from China (58%), plus 1,022 from Thailand—the two countries together accounting for 86%.

Specialized Vehicles: 3,093 units imported in January, of which 3,043 came from China, accounting for 98%.

● Passenger Vehicles Still Room to Grow: Passenger cars (9 seats or less) imports reached 8,275 units, with China ranking third at 1,480 units, behind Indonesia (4,141) and Thailand (1,993). ● Parts Imports Surge: Total auto parts imports reached US$672 million in January, with parts from China accounting for US$356 million—53% of the total. Total imports of CBU vehicles and auto parts reached US$1.06 billion, up 98% year-on-year. ● 2025 Full-Year Review: Vietnam’s annual vehicle imports exceeded 205,000 units for the first time, reaching 205,630 units, with an import value of US$4.7 billion, up 18.6% and 31.1% respectively year-on-year. China’s full-year imports reached 47,895 units (third), but export value hit US$1.6 billion—surpassing Indonesia and Thailand to become the highest-value exporter to Vietnam, surging 76% year-on-year.

In-Depth Analysis 1. Differentiated Breakthroughs by Segment January data reveals a clear “two-speed” pattern: In commercial vehicles, China is now dominant. Accounting for 58% of transport vehicles and 98% of specialized vehicles—this means Chinese trucks and construction vehicles have become the “standard equipment” in Vietnam’s logistics fleets, construction sites, and infrastructure projects. This advantage is deeply rooted: Chinese commercial vehicles have built a long-term reputation for cost-effectiveness, durability, and maintenance affordability. For logistics firms treating vehicles as “capital assets,” lower acquisition costs and convenient parts supply are decisive factors. In passenger vehicles, China has vast room to grow. In January, China accounted for only 18% of passenger car (9 seats or less) imports, far behind Indonesia’s 50% and Thailand’s 24%. But this precisely signals growth potential—as Chery, BYD, GWM and others accelerate SUV and NEV model launches, coupled with aggressive service pledges like Omoda & Jaecoo’s million-kilometer warranty, Chinese brands are building momentum in the passenger car segment. 2. Deepening Parts Supply Chain Synergy In January, China exported US$356 million worth of auto parts to Vietnam, accounting for 53% of Vietnam’s total parts imports. The significance: Chinese autos in Vietnam are not just “vehicle sales,” but “systemic rooting.” Deep parts penetration brings three benefits: first, reliable after-sales support for sold vehicles, addressing consumer maintenance concerns; second, lower operating costs for logistics firms—timely parts supply means higher vehicle uptime; third, paving the way for future CKD local assembly—when parts supply chains are mature, automaker localization follows naturally.

Industry Insights China becoming Vietnam’s largest auto supplier for the first time offers three lessons for Chinese automakers going global:

“Commercial Vehicles First” Is an Effective Path into Emerging Markets: In Vietnam, Chinese trucks and specialized vehicles dominate with 98% market share, laying foundations for brand recognition and channel networks. Commercial users prioritize cost-effectiveness and total lifecycle costs—precisely the core advantages of China’s supply chain.

“Parts Export” Must synchronization with “Vehicle Export”: US$356 million in parts exports means Chinese autos in Vietnam have formed a complete “sales + service” closed loop. Without parts system support, vehicle sales are castles in the air.

“Land Route Advantage” Is a Unique Dividend for China’s Neighboring Markets: Land border crossings slash delivery cycles from weeks (by sea) to days. The 628% surge in transport vehicle imports is a concentrated reflection of this advantage. In commercial vehicles—an extremely time-sensitive segment—this is a competitive advantage Indonesia and Thailand cannot replicate.

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