Vietnam imported over 72,600 cars this year, down nearly 20 percent over 2017, according to the General Department of Vietnam Customs. The import value of cars exceeded 1.64 billion USD this year, up 21 percent year-on-year, the agency said. Thailand and Indonesia remain major suppliers of Vietnam’s imported cars. From Thailand alone, Vietnam has imported more than 52,100 vehicles worth a combined 1.04 billion USD since the beginning of the year. According to customs data, from December 7-13, car imports slowed down by 701 units from the previous week, totaling over 2,800 vehicles. Total import value is reported to be 67 million USD. Most cars sold in Vietnam are foreign brands assembled in the country from kits. But a series of free trade agreements have reduced import duties and are opening up the market. The country imports over 90 percent of auto parts.-VNA