Vietnam's Auto Imports Surge 18.6% in 2025, China Becomes Top Exporter

In 2025, Vietnam imported a total of 205,630 vehicles, an 18.6% year-on-year increase, with the import value reaching USD 4.7 billion—a substantial 31.1% rise compared to the previous year—indicating a growing share of higher-value models. Among these, passenger cars with fewer than nine seats accounted for 152,854 units, representing over 74% of total imports and remaining the dominant segment in the market. By country of origin, Indonesia, Thailand, and China were the top three suppliers. China ranked third in terms of volume, with 47,895 units imported, but led in export value at USD 1.6 billion—surpassing both Indonesia and Thailand for the first time to become Vietnam’s largest automotive export source by value, marking a sharp 76% year-on-year increase. Chinese brands such as BYD, Geely, Lynk & Co, and Chery are accelerating their presence in Vietnam, launching multiple electric and hybrid models priced between RMB 170,000 and RMB 290,000, demonstrating strong competitiveness. Benefiting from the ASEAN zero-tariff policy, Indonesia and Thailand remain major sources of vehicle imports. However, China is reshaping Vietnam’s automotive import landscape through its advantages in intelligent technology and new energy vehicles, posing new challenges to Vietnam’s domestic automotive manufacturing sector.