Gasgoo Munich- China imported 38,000 vehicles in June 2026, an 11% slide from a year earlier, according to data from Cui Dongshu at the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) cited by Gasgoo. A low base effect from late 2025 helped temper the decline in the first half, with total imports for January through June reaching 200,000 units — still down 11% year-on-year. While the conflict between the U.S. and Iran disrupted some shipping routes, the overall contraction in import volume remained relatively contained.
Image source: Cui Dongshu's WeChat account
Monthly trends show a brief rebound in early 2026, largely a correction from the anomalous drop in December of the previous year. Imports slipped again in March and April due to geopolitical factors, before the internal combustion engine (ICE) market settled into a steady decline. Passenger cars dominate the mix, accounting for more than 99% of the total, with sedans making up 51% and four-wheel-drive SUVs 23%. New energy passenger vehicles (NEVs) continue to struggle: imports of battery electric vehicles fell 36% in the first half, while plug-in hybrids plunged 58%. NEVs now represent just 2% of total imports, leaving ICE vehicles as the primary driver.
Japan, Germany, Slovakia, and the U.S. led as the top source countries. In June alone, Japan topped the list with 18,486 units, followed by Germany with 9,272, Slovakia with 4,122, and the U.S. with 3,359. Cumulative data for the first half shows Japan imported 103,493 vehicles, with Germany at 44,311, the U.S. at 17,732, and Slovakia at 13,520. Japan posted the largest year-on-year gain, adding roughly 20,000 units, while Thailand, Austria, and Mexico also recorded notable growth.
On the sales front, retail volume for imported cars in the first half totaled 190,000 units, a 29% year-on-year drop. June alone saw sales fall to 30,000 units — a 39% plunge — indicating significant pressure ahead. The luxury market is showing a split: Lexus remains relatively stable and holds its lead among imported luxury brands. Meanwhile, ultra-luxury names like Maserati and Bentley are experiencing volatility, leaving the high-end segment under strain.
Regionally, demand for luxury cars has softened in traditional wealthy hubs like Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, Chengdu, and Wuxi. By contrast, oil-producing regions in the central and west — such as Kashgar, Ili, and Aksu — are showing relative strength. Gasoline models with engines under 2.0 liters remain the dominant choice for imports, accounting for about 64% of the total, while the decline in large-displacement models has been slightly less pronounced.
