Chile, Peru & Mexico: A Practical Guide to Importing Chinese Cars into Latin America

Chile is the most open Latin American market for Chinese cars: zero tariffs under the FTA, straightforward local certification, and direct sales after customs clearance. Chinese brands already exceed 25% of new-car sales, with pickups and SUVs most in demand.

Peru levies 6% import duty plus IGV (16% VAT) and ISC, bringing the total tax burden to around 25%. Callao port offers efficient clearance, making it a good distribution hub for the Andean region.

Mexico applies duties of 15%–50% on Chinese vehicles depending on displacement, and requires NOM certification plus IMMEX program participation for benefits; but with a market worth over USD 15 billion, an SKD/CKD assembly model is worth considering.

Model-wise, Latin Americans favor roomy, high-clearance vehicles: the Changan CS75PLUS, Deepal G318 and Fang Cheng Bao Bao 5 are hugely popular; while value leaders like the MG5 and Wuling Xingguang S are growing fast in ride-hailing fleets.