Chilean vehicles imports from China jumped to US$187min cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value, an increase of 71.8% year-on-year, according to the Latin America News Digest, citing Chilean customs data.


Motorcycle imports from China doubled in 2005, compared to a year earlier, and industrial vehicles imports rose 75%. Imports of Chinese buses also increased.


The main factor for the higher imports of Chinese vehicles was the rising demand in Chile and the attractive prices of vehicles made in China, the report said.


Japan was the biggest vehicle exporter to Chile in 2005, it added.