CBU, SKD, CKD — the shipping mode choice is market-driven. Here's a reference table of recommended default mode by market, and the reasoning for each.
Reference table
| Market | Default mode | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| UAE / Gulf | CBU | Flat low tariffs. SKD offers no advantage. |
| Bangladesh | SKD (volume) · CBU (single unit) | CBU duties 150%+. SKD classification significantly lower. Local partner needed. |
| Pakistan | SKD / CKD | EDB-regulated. CBU prohibitively taxed. Local assembly required for volume. |
| Russia | CBU | Current tariff structure doesn't reward SKD. |
| West Africa | CBU | Flat-ish duties, no SKD preference in most markets. CKD in specific programs. |
| Latin America | CBU | Most markets apply similar duties across assembly states. Mexico IMMEX program has exceptions. |
| Balkans (EU-aligned) | CBU | EU tariff structure doesn't reward SKD in a way that's meaningful for most dealers. |
| Central Asia | CBU | Growing market, shipping logistics complex; SKD adds complexity without clear benefit for most models. |
| Thailand | CBU or CKD | CBU common for small dealers; CKD for EV-policy-incentivized operations. |
| Indonesia | CKD or CBU | Local-content requirements reward CKD for scale. CBU fine for small volumes. |
| Philippines | CBU | No strong SKD/CKD incentives at small dealer scale. |
| Vietnam | CBU | Emerging market, SKD/CKD infrastructure limited for independent dealers. |
| Malaysia | CBU or CKD | CKD for established partnerships (some Chinese brands use Proton factories). |
Other factors that shift the choice
Volume
Below 10 units per shipment, SKD/CKD overhead rarely pays for itself even in favorable markets. Above 50 units, SKD/CKD becomes meaningful. Above 250 units, CKD with local assembly infrastructure dominates the economics.
Partner availability
SKD requires a bonded assembly partner. CKD requires a full assembly operation. If you don't have the partner relationship, the favorable tariff rate doesn't matter — you can't access it.
Vehicle type
EVs in SKD are more complex than ICE vehicles in SKD because the battery pack is usually one of the major disassembled components, and moving battery packs in customs is more regulated than moving bumpers and wheels.
Lead time sensitivity
SKD and CKD add lead time. If your customer needs delivery in 90 days rather than 150, CBU may win even in a market where SKD would save money on paper.
The first-shipment default
For first-time importers in any market: start with CBU. Only move to SKD/CKD after you've proven the vehicle, the market demand, and your logistics partner chain.