Cars from the US to be significantly cheaper for Lithuanians as duty is abolished

Lithuanians can now purchase cars from United States auctions at a significantly lower cost following the elimination of import duties. The previous 10% customs duty on vehicles from the U.S. has been reduced to zero, although the 21% Value Added Tax (VAT) remains in place. This substantial tax reduction is expected to make car imports more accessible and affordable.

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The numbers speak for themselves. If a person buys a car for 12,000–15,000 US dollars, the previous customs duty was 1,200–1,500 US dollars. Now this amount no longer needs to be paid. When buying a more expensive car, for example, for 20,000–25,000 US dollars, you save 2,000–2,500 US dollars.

Tautvydas Lukauskas, founder of the U.S. car auction platform "Bidauto.online," highlighted the financial benefits, stating that buyers can save between $1,200 and $1,500 on cars costing $12,000-$15,000, and $2,000-$2,500 on more expensive vehicles. These savings allow buyers to acquire newer, technically superior, and safer cars with lower mileage, better features, or advanced safety systems.

Since the European Council's final approval of the regulation on June 25, "Bidauto.online" has observed a marked increase in interest in importing cars from the U.S. Specialists anticipate a "golden age" for U.S. car imports into Lithuania in the coming months. Lukauskas noted that buyers can now acquire vehicles with a clear history, verified mileage, and known defects at a much lower tax burden.

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People understand that they can now buy cars with a clear history, verified mileage, and known defects – and all this at significantly lower taxes than before.

The primary outcome of this policy change is the potential for Lithuanians to update their vehicle fleet with newer and more reliable cars. Previously, the cost of duties often pushed people towards older vehicles. The removal of this barrier is expected to lead to an increase in American-made cars on Lithuanian roads, including classic muscle cars, large pickups, and other models that were previously too expensive due to duties. Lukauskas mentioned that many popular European car models, such as BMWs and Mercedes-Benz, are manufactured in the U.S. and might qualify as U.S.-origin goods, though final customs procedures are pending clarification from the Lithuanian Customs.

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In addition, there should be more cars with an 'American soul' on Lithuanian roads – classic muscle cars, large pickups, and other models that previously cost significantly more due to customs duties. People who dreamed of such a car before but were deterred by taxes now have a real opportunity to acquire it.