Used sector’s imports soar

There were 7,357 used passenger vehicles imported last month, an increase of 29.8 per cent from 5,666 units a year ago.

The latest tally was also up by 9.1 per cent from August this year when 6,746 units crossed our borders, according to figures from Customs NZ. 

The year-to-date total for 2026 is now 70,721 – a rise of 18.7 per cent from 59,560 at the same time last year.

Some 7,176 units were imported from Japan in September for a 97.5 per cent share of the market. Australia was next with 117 units, followed by Singapore on 22.

As for used light commercials, 347 crossed the border last month. This was up 34 per cent from 259 units in the same month last year and a 23 per cent jump when compared with August’s total of 282.

The year-to-date total for this sector now stands at 2,636 units, a jump of 39.7 per cent from 1,887 a year ago.

Japan main source

As for new passenger vehicles, some 7,430 units were brought into New Zealand last month. 

This was down 23 6 per cent from 9,729 units in September last year and a 14.5 per cent decrease from 8,692 in August this year.

September’s tally means 74,526 vehicles have crossed the border so far in 2026, which is up 10.7 per cent from 67,352 units for the same period a year ago.

Japan was the main country of export with 4,082 units, followed by China with 1,254, Thailand on 760, South Korea with 717 and Belgium on 127.

For new light commercials, 1,442 units were imported in September, a 38.4 per cent decrease from 2,342 a year ago. 

The latest figure was also down by 6.7 per cent when compared with the 1,545 units in August.

The year-to-date total is now 18,169, which is a drop of 11 per cent from 20,424 for the same period in 2025.

Overall, 16,875 vehicles, including trucks and buses, entered the country in September. This was down from 17,763 in the previous month.