Pakistan Car Imports Rise 36% in Jul-Aug 2026

Pakistan’s car import bill jumped 36% in July and August 2026, and that matters for more than just showroom shoppers. The rise covers both new and used vehicles, so buyers may see more choices on the market, while local auto-parts workers could face more pressure if imported cars keep taking a bigger share.

According to Pakistan Bureau of Statistics data at https://www.pbs.gov.pk/monthly-advance-releases-on-foreign-trade-statistics-for-july-2026/, motor car imports rose to $81.4 million in July-August 2026 from $59 million in the same two months last year. That is a year-on-year increase of 36%.

New energy vehicles are driving part of the rise

A source report said the increase is tied in part to new entrants expanding imports before any local assembly plans begin. In the same report, former Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts and Accessories Manufacturers chairman Aamir Allawala said leading Chinese firms were bringing in about 1,500 to 2,000 new energy vehicles each month.

That is an industry view, not a full official breakdown of all vehicle imports. Still, it points to a clear trend: more EV-type models are reaching Pakistan through the import channel before local production can catch up.

The same report said used vehicle imports were also strong in the two-month period, with around 3,200 units entering in July and August combined. It cited 1,938 units in July and 1,445 in August.

Why used cars are still coming in

The government abolished the baggage scheme in January and also made pre-shipment inspection mandatory for vehicles imported under the gift and transfer of residence schemes. Those changes were meant to tighten the flow of used imports.

Even then, the source report said used cars kept coming in through other channels. It cited 48 vehicles in May, 843 in June, 1,938 in July and 1,445 in August. Allawala alleged that dealers may still be using different schemes, but this remains an industry claim in the report, not an official finding.

For readers, the main point is simple: the used-car trade has not stopped. It has just shifted.

What this means for local industry

More imports can help buyers by widening choice, especially for people looking at newer EVs or used cars with different features. But there is another side to the story.

The source report said completely built-up vehicles, whether new or used, can reduce demand for local parts. That can hurt vendors, small suppliers and the workers who depend on domestic assembly.

Allawala also claimed that several locally assembled vehicles have more than 50% local content by value, averaging around Rs. 1.5 million per vehicle. If more buyers move to imports, the pressure on local assembly lines and parts makers could grow.

For background on how used imports have affected the market before, see Used Car Imports Hit Record High, Is Pakistan's Auto Industry in Trouble? and Pakistan Auto Industry Loses Rs50 Billion as Used Car Imports Surge to 25% of Sales.

What buyers should check before booking

Anyone eyeing an imported car should look beyond the showroom appeal. Check warranty coverage, charging support for EVs, spare parts availability, resale prospects and after-sales service.

Used-car buyers should also confirm the legal import route, inspection papers, registration status and parts support before paying anything.

The import jump does not mean prices will fall. It only shows that Pakistan’s car market is becoming more import-heavy, especially as new energy vehicle brands move in ahead of local assembly.

For more updates, visit DrivePK.com