Insights
New Zealand Used-Car Imports Rose 29.8% in September 2026
New Zealand imported 7,357 used passenger vehicles in September 2026. The total was 29.8% higher than the 5,666 vehicles recorded in September 2025.
Japan was the reported origin of 7,176 vehicles. AutoTalk reported 8,005 used passenger-vehicle first-time registrations in the same month.
September used-car imports rose 29.8%
Used passenger-vehicle imports were 7,357 vehicles in September 2026, compared with 5,666 vehicles in September 2025. The reported year-over-year change was 29.8%.
The 7,357 figure covers used passenger vehicles only. Separate reporting cited 16,875 vehicles of all types entering New Zealand in September 2026, including trucks and buses.
| Period | Used passenger vehicles imported |
|---|---|
| September 2025 | 5,666 |
| August 2026 | 6,746 |
| September 2026 | 7,357 |
Data Table
| Period | Used passenger vehicles imported |
|---|---|
| September 2025 | 5666 |
| August 2026 | 6746 |
| September 2026 | 7357 |
Source: Autofile.
Japan supplied 97.5% of imports
Japan was the reported origin of 7,176 imports in September 2026. That volume represented 97.5% of the 7,357 used passenger-vehicle total in September 2026.
Australia supplied 117 vehicles and Singapore supplied 22 vehicles. Those two origins were the next largest reported sources after Japan.
| Country of origin | Imported vehicles |
|---|---|
| Japan | 7,176 |
| Australia | 117 |
| Singapore | 22 |
Data Table
| Country | Imported vehicles |
|---|---|
| Japan | 7176 |
| Australia | 117 |
| Singapore | 22 |
Source: Autofile.
September imports were also up on August
Used passenger-vehicle imports totalled 6,746 vehicles in August 2026. September at 7,357 vehicles was 9.1% higher month on month.
The August and September totals provide two monthly observations for the used passenger-vehicle category. September 2025 provides the annual comparison at 5,666 vehicles.
Imports and registrations measure different things
The September 2026 arrival count and the September 2026 registration count describe different stages. Autofile reported 7,357 used passenger-vehicle arrivals. AutoTalk reported 8,005 used passenger vehicles registered in the same month.
Arrivals record vehicles coming into New Zealand. First-time registrations record vehicles entering the registered fleet. September registrations can include vehicles that arrived earlier. September arrivals may be registered later.
The difference is important for market analysis. Arrivals indicate inbound supply. Registrations indicate vehicles completing requirements and entering the fleet. A month in which registrations exceed arrivals may reflect timing differences between border entry and fleet entry, as the two totals for the same calendar month do not necessarily match.
What happens between arrival and registration
The interval between arrival and registration includes border and compliance steps. The New Zealand Transport Agency states that entry certification takes place after border inspection, Customs and biosecurity clearance, and release of the vehicle to the importer.
Entry certifiers check standards, ownership and vehicle condition. The process issues an application to register form (MR2A) and a warrant or certificate of fitness. Vehicles complete these checks before first-time registration.
How to read the monthly trade figures
Monthly import data for detailed analysis are available in Stats NZ overseas merchandise trade datasets. The datasets provide monthly import data by HS10 code and country of origin, with historical data back to 2015. That structure allows comparison of vehicle categories and origins on a consistent customs basis.
The dataset page was updated on 18 September 2026 and listed monthly datasets through August 2026. Import data are provisional for three months. Provisional status means recent months remain subject to revision before becoming final.
For consistent interpretation, the vehicle definition and the reference period require attention. The 7,357 figure refers to used passenger vehicles. The 16,875 figure refers to vehicles of all types, including trucks and buses. Monthly comparisons remain most reliable when the same category, origin grouping and data vintage are used.
Sources
- Autofile — Used sector’s imports soar
- AutoTalk — Used imports climb 13.6% for strongest September since 2023
- AutoTalk — Used-car arrivals rise as new imports ease in September
- NZTA — Entry certification
- Stats NZ — Overseas merchandise trade datasets
Provisional trade data for recent months remain subject to revision.