Used imports tumble

There were 6,679 used passenger vehicles imported into New Zealand during January, which was 17.7 per cent lower than for the same month a year ago.

Last month’s total included 6,484 cars coming from Japan, which claimed a market share of 97.1 per cent, according to the figures from Customs NZ. 

Next up in January was Australia with 88 units and a 1.3 per cent share of the monthly total. The US claimed third place with 39 and was followed by Singapore and Germany on 21 each and the UK with 18.

The overall total meant 1,438 fewer units crossed our borders than in January 2024, when the tally reached 8,117.

However, the latest figure was 0.4 per cent higher than the 6,650 used cars imported in December last year.

As for used light commercials, there were 168 imports in January – a 54 per cent decrease from 365 units a year ago. 

Last month’s figure was also down by 25.7 per cent from the 226 units imported in December 2024.

New imports make annual gains

There were 5,862 new passenger vehicles imported in January, which represented a 41.4 per cent increase from the 4,154 units in the same month of last year. 

However, the monthly tally was down 15.6 per cent from December when 6,949 new cars crossed our borders.

Japan was the top source of new vehicles, accounting for 2,903 units, with South Korea second on 716. China, Thailand and Germany were next on the list with 601, 560 and 300 units, respectively.

For new light commercials, there were 2,217 units imported last month, an increase  of 216.7 per cent from 700 in January 2024. The figure was also 38.6 per cent more than the 1,599 units in December last year.

Overall, 15,195 vehicles, including trucks and buses, crossed our border in January, which was down from 15,863 in the previous month.