Vietnam’s imported completely built-up (CBU) car market recorded remarkable growth in May 2026, with 23,730 units worth over US$547.6 million entering the country, representing an increase of over 43.1% in volume and over 26.2% in value compared to the previous month[reference:11]. This surge reflects the deepening integration of ASEAN automotive markets and the strategic utilization of regional trade agreements. This article examines the key trends driving Vietnam’s CBU car import growth and the implications for the broader ASEAN automotive landscape.
The May 2026 import figures represent a significant acceleration in Vietnam’s automotive import activity. Compared to the same period in 2025, import levels increased by nearly 25.1% in volume and over 29.2% in value[reference:12]. In total, during the first five months of 2026, the total number of imported cars nationwide reached 95,900 units with a total value of nearly US$2.3 billion, an increase of over 14.2% in volume and nearly 25.8% in value compared to the same period last year[reference:13]. This sustained growth demonstrates Vietnam’s strong automotive demand and its integration into regional supply chains.
ASEAN continued to be Vietnam’s largest market for completely built cars in the first five months of 2026, with 62,279 units and a value of nearly US$1.03 billion[reference:14]. While the overall market share decreased from 73.17% to 64.94%, the volume and value both increased by over 1% compared to the same period in 2025[reference:15]. Within ASEAN, Indonesia maintained its leading position with 38,478 vehicles, accounting for nearly 61.8% of total car imports from ASEAN, thanks to optimally utilizing the 0% tariff advantage from the ATIGA and RCEP agreements[reference:16]. The number of vehicles imported from Indonesia in May increased dramatically by 200.11% in volume and 217.47% in value compared to April[reference:17].
The import landscape from other ASEAN countries shows interesting dynamics. Vietnam’s imports of completely assembled cars from Thailand reached only 23,801 vehicles in the first five months of 2026, a decrease of more than 17.4% compared to the same period last year[reference:18]. Meanwhile, imports from China in the first five months of 2026 reached 29,036 units worth US$1.04 billion, a sharp increase of 60.37% in volume and 73.74% in value compared to the same period in 2025, with market share increasing from 21.56% to 30.28%[reference:19]. This shift reflects the growing competitiveness of Chinese automotive brands in the Vietnamese market.
The surge in CBU car imports has significant implications for Vietnam’s automotive aftermarket and components sector. As more vehicles enter the country, the demand for replacement parts, maintenance services, and accessories naturally increases. This creates opportunities for aftermarket suppliers and distributors. The Automechanika Ho Chi Minh City 2026 exhibition, held from June 18-20, brought together more than 400 exhibitors from over 17 countries and territories, highlighting the growing dynamism of Vietnam’s automotive industry and its transition toward new-energy mobility[reference:20][reference:21].
In conclusion, Vietnam’s CBU car import surge in May 2026 reflects the deepening integration of ASEAN automotive markets and the strategic utilization of regional trade agreements. The 0% tariff advantage from ATIGA and RCEP has made Indonesia the leading supplier, while Chinese brands are gaining significant market share. This import growth creates opportunities across the automotive value chain, from logistics and distribution to aftermarket services and components supply.
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