Used imports increase

There were 6,746 used passenger vehicles imported last month, an increase of 32.1 per cent from 5,108 units a year ago.

However, the latest tally was down by 35.9 per cent from July this year when 10,528 units crossed our borders, according to figures from Customs NZ. 

The year-to-date total for 2026 is now 63,691 – a rise of 18.2 per cent from 53,894 at the same time last year.

Some 6,560 units were imported from Japan in August for a 97.2 per cent share of the market. Australia was next with 135 units, followed by the US on 19.

As for used light commercials, 282 crossed the border last month. This was up 3.3 per cent from 273 units in the same month last year and a 33.3 per cent fall when compared with July’s total of 423.

The year-to-date total for this sector now stands at 2,292 units, a jump of 40.8 per cent from 1,628 a year ago.

Mixed results for new market

As for new passenger vehicles, some 8,692 units were brought into New Zealand last month. 

This was a 10.1 per cent rise from 7,892 units in August last year but a 33.8 per cent decrease from 13,136 in July this year.

August’s tally means 67,831 vehicles have crossed the border so far in 2026, which is up 17.7 per cent from 57,623 units for the same period a year ago.

Japan was the main country of export with 4,017 units, followed by China with 1,983, South Korea on 1,147, Thailand with 692 and Belgium on 220.

For new light commercials, 1,545 units were imported in August, a 31.8 per cent decrease from 2,266 a year ago. 

The latest figure was also down by 53.7 per cent when compared with the 3,335 units in July.

The year-to-date total is now 16,932, which is a drop of 6.4 per cent from 18,082 for the same period in 2025.

Overall, 17,763 vehicles, including trucks and buses, entered the country in August. This was down from 27,980 in the previous month.