China's auto imports exceed exports in first six months
China's automotive trade deficit jumped from roughly zero in 2009 to nearly 26 billion yuan ($3.8 billion) in the first six months of 2010, reports the China Car Times, citing data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.
Imports of vehicles, motorcycles and parts soared 130 percent year-on-year to 185 billion yuan, the Web site reported. In that same period, exports rose 50 percent to 159 billion yuan.
Passenger vehicle imports jumped 170 percent to 388,200 units. Meanwhile, Chinese automakers shipped 250,100 cars, buses, and trucks overseas, up 56 percent from a year earlier.
Germany and Japan were the two largest exporters of vehicles and parts to China, with shipments totaling 60 billion and 58 billion respectively.
The United States and Japan were the biggest importers of Chinese-built vehicles and parts, with purchases totaling 30 billion yuan and 15 billion yuan respectively.
