Car imports reached 1,853 through August as transit arrivals rose

Cargo figures show 1,853 automobiles were imported between 1 January and 31 August 2026, up from 1,810 during the same period in 2025. The increase was 43 vehicles, or about 2.4%. Gross registered tonnage for incoming automobiles rose from 3,131 to 3,548.

Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication Grisha Heyliger-Marten said Government is examining whether a temporary moratorium on vehicle imports could form part of its response to road congestion. She said no decision had been taken and that a comprehensive assessment would be needed before any move forward.

Automobile transit arrivals rose to 665 through August 2026, from 456 a year earlier. Their gross registered tonnage increased from 1,086 to 1,789. Transit departures moved in the other direction, falling to 179 vehicles from 335, while their gross registered tonnage dropped from 859 to 570.

Heyliger-Marten said the assessment would consider the number and types of vehicles entering the country, the existing vehicle population, replacement demand, economic consequences and whether restrictions would reduce congestion. The cargo figures do not show how many imported vehicles replaced existing vehicles or how many vehicles were removed from local roads.

Automobile exports rose to 46 vehicles from 42, while gross registered tonnage for those outgoing vehicles fell from 95 to 82.