Vietnam’s Auto Import–Export Market 2025: Strong Recovery, Surging Imports, and Growing Competition

Vietnam’s auto market entered the final quarter of 2025 with strong upward momentum in sales, CBU imports, and auto parts imports, signaling continued recovery after a year of fluctuating demand.

October’s data shows a market driven by abundant supply, aggressive promotions, and increasing consumer demand ahead of the Lunar New Year. However, behind this strong growth, there is mounting pressure from inventory buildup, supply–demand imbalances, and heavy dependence on imported vehicles and parts.

A Rebound in Sales After "Ghost" Month

After the subdued “ghost month” (the 7th lunar month), Vietnam’s automobile market began its recovery in September, with VAMA members selling 30,688 units, up 18% from August. Although still 16% lower year-on-year, the rebound set the stage for a stronger Q4.

• Passenger cars: 20,559 units (+19% MoM)
• Commercial vehicles: 9,535 units (+14% MoM)
• Special-purpose vehicles: 594 units (nearly doubling MoM)

Toyoda Vietnam recorded 8,000 vehicles sold in October, up 11% MoM, reflecting rising consumer sentiment.

Hybrid vehicles also stood out, with 9,785 hybrid units sold in the first nine months of 2025, up 73% year over year, signaling a shift toward fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly options.

Imported Vehicles Continue to Outpace Domestic Assemblies

By the end of September 2025:

• Imported CBU vehicles: 131,503 units (+17%)
• Domestically assembled vehicles: 119,918 units (+6%)

Dealers increased CBU imports to meet demand for models not yet assembled in Vietnam, especially crossovers, pickup trucks, and high-end sedans.

CBU Imports Surge in October 2025

Vietnam imported an estimated 18,166 CBU cars in October 2025, worth USD 461 million, up:

• 5.0% in volume
• 14.9% in value month-on-month

Compared to October 2024:

• +2.3% in volume
• +23.2% in value

For the first 10 months of 2025:

• 173,213 CBU cars
• USD 3.87 billion in value
• +21.3% in volume
• +32.0% in value YoY

This marks one of Vietnam’s strongest years for CBU imports.

CBU Import Market Structure First 9 Months of 2025

Vietnam’s CBU import market remains heavily concentrated among three countries:

• Indonesia
• Thailand
• China

Together they account for 93.9% of all CBU imports.

Below is the full import table as required:

Vietnam’s CBU Automobile Import Market – September 2025 & First 9 Months of 2025

(Units: Vehicles; Value: thousand USD)

Domestic Production Surges

Domestic auto production reached:

• 38,700 units in September 2025 (+19.7% YoY)
• 338,400 units in the first nine months of 2025 (+52.7% YoY)

Local manufacturers — especially Thaco, Hyundai Thanh Cong, and VinFast — expanded output to meet rising demand and reduce dependency on imports, particularly in the mass-market segment.

Auto Parts & Components Imports Continue to Rise

Vietnam imported:

• USD 513 million worth of components in October (+4.4% MoM)
• USD 4.62 billion in 10 months (+17.7% YoY)

The detailed table must remain in full; here it is:

Vietnam’s Auto Parts & Components Import Market – September 2025 and First 9 Months of 2025

(Unit: thousand USD)

Top 20 Auto Parts Importers in Vietnam (9M 2025)

(Unit: thousand USD)

Year-End Promotions Fuel Sales Competition

Automakers intensified their offers in October:

• Toyota: 100% registration fee support for Vios; 50% for Camry & Hilux
• Mitsubishi: 100% registration fee support + free insurance for Xpander
• Honda: Up to 100% registration fee support on multiple models

These indicate brands are preparing for a high-stakes Q4 and working aggressively to clear stock.

Outlook: Strong Q4 but Growing Risks

The market is expected to expand further in Q4 2025 due to:

• Pre-Tet consumer demand
• Favorable purchasing conditions
• Broad promotional campaigns

Yet risks are emerging:

• Oversupply from both imports and domestic output
• Heavy dependence on China and ASEAN for parts and CBU units
• Increasing pressure on domestic automakers
• Potential price volatility in 2026

Vietnam’s auto market remains dynamic, competitive, and fast-growing — but also increasingly vulnerable to supply–demand imbalances and external shocks.