Imports of automobiles rise sharply

About 45,000 completely-built-up (CBU) automobiles, worth 1.2 billion USD, were imported into Vietnam in the first five months of the year, the Industry and Trade Ministry said.
About 45,000 completely-built-up (CBU) automobiles, worth 1.2 billionUSD, were imported into Vietnam in the first five months of the year,the Industry and Trade Ministry said.

The volume and value ofthe imports were almost 80 percent of the total for 2014 as a whole, at72,000 units and 1.57 billion USD, representing an increase of 62.8percent and 60.1 percent, respectively, compared to the same period lastyear.

In May alone, 10,000 automobiles, worth 337 million USD,were imported, posting an increase of 43 million USD in terms of value.This is the highest import turnover achieved since the beginning of2014.

The import of automobiles in recent months has shown aslight increase in volume and a significant rise in valuemonth-on-month. This is due to the increasing imports of trucks andspecialised vehicles, primarily from China.

The rapid and continuous surge of imported automobiles has put pressure on the domestic production and assembly sector.

Oneof the reasons why customers prefer imported trucks from China is thatthey are cheaper than those from other countries and even the locallyassembled trucks.

The ASEAN-China Trade in Goods Agreement inthe 2015-18 period, which took effect at the beginning of the year, hasapplied preferential taxes on imported CBUs.

Specifically, theimport tax on CBU trucks of more than 45 tonnes is zero, while on trucksof 25 to 45 tonnes, it is 10 to 15 percent.

A calculation ofthe Vietnam Association of Mechanical Industry (VAMI) said a locallyassembled truck (including assembling costs and import tax on spareparts) in Vietnam costs 24 percent higher than an imported one.

In addition, the country has no Made-in-Vietnam automobile.

Chairmanof Vinaxuki Bui Ngoc Huyen told Thoi Bao Kinh Doanh that lack ofcapital and the effects of tax policies were also factors.

FormerDirector of the Institute for Trade Research Nguyen Van Nam said thepurchase of automobiles has been increasing in recent years, despite theeconomic downturn.

However, Vietnamese people prefer imported automobiles over local products.

Many experts urged the quick completion of the development master plan for the country's automobile industry.

GeneralDirector of Ford Vietnam Jesus Metelo Arias said with the currentgrowth rate, the country's automobile market was expected to reach salesof 200,000 units this year. Among these, imported CBUs will account forhalf of the total.-VNA

See more

Industrial factories in Tan Uyen city, the southern province of Binh Duong (Photo: VNA)

Investors upbeat about Vietnam’s industrial property market

Investors are bullish on Vietnam's industrial property market growth on the back of the nation's strategic location, sound infrastructure, and increasing demand for industrial space, particularly industrial parks that meet green standards, according to market research.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium and head of the Vietnamese Delegation to the EU Nguyen Van Thao addresses the forum (Photo: VNA)

Forum connects Vietnamese, Belgian busineses

The Vietnam-Belgian business forum took place in Brussels on October 23, offering a chance for enterprises of the two countries to introduce their products and explore new cooperation opportunities.

The expos cover over 6,000 sq.m, drawing over 210 exhibitors from 10 countries and territories. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi hosts textile & garment, fabric garment accessories expos

The Vietnam Hanoi Textile & Garment Industry and Fabric Garment Accessories Expos 2024 (HanoiTex & HanoiFabric 2024) is taking place in Hanoi on October 23 – 25 as part of a series of international exhibitions on Vietnam's textile and garment industry.

Representatives from Vietnamese and Lao agencies, localities and businesses at the opening ceremony of the Vietnam-Laos trade fair 2024 in Xiengkhouang province. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Laos step up trade, tourism promotion

A Vietnam-Laos trade fair was kicked off in Phonsavanh township in Xiengkhouang province of Laos on October 23 as part of activities to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the traditional day of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts in Laos (October 30, 1949 – 2024).

Illustrative photo (Photo: chinhphu.vn)

Vietnamese goods enter US through global supply chain

The Saigon Co.op Distribution Company Limited (SCD) - a member of the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Trade Cooperatives (Saigon Co.op), and STC Natural Vina Company on October 23 held a hand-over ceremony for goods that will be exported to the US.

Vietnam’s lobsters have clawed their way back onto Chinese menus after a suspension. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam’s lobsters claw back prominence in China

Vietnam’s lobster export to the Chinese market in January-September rose 33 folds year-on-year on the back of lower prices and stronger trade ties between the two nations, the South China Morning Post said on October 22.