JEDDAH —

Despite tariffs, global auto sector will maintain stable outlook with steady sales into 2019,

Moody’s said in its report report, «Automotive manufacturing -- Global, Modest growth in light vehicle sales to continue into 2019 amid threat of US tariffs».

The outlook for the global automotive manufacturing industry remains stable over the next 12 to 18 months, reflecting expectations for steady demand across key regions espite looming challenges, Moody›s Investors Service said in the report released on Tuesday.

«While global auto sales so far this year support our full-year 2018 forecast, we see greater risks emerging that could hurt sales next year, including trade and tariff disputes, rising interest rates and higher fuel prices,» said Falk Frey, a Moody›s Senior Vice President and author of the report. «Steady auto sales in China are a key driver of our global forecast, but growth will remain far more modest than the double-digit percentage gains seen as recently as 2016.»

Moody›s forecasts global light vehicle sales to grow 1.5% this year and 1.3% in 2019. Looking across the regions, auto sales in China are expected to grow 2% this year - slowing from 3% in 2017 - and 2.5% in 2019.

US light vehicles sales will likely cool in the coming months. Rising interest rates, higher vehicle prices and the threat of tariffs on auto imports are likely to make consumers consider a used car or delay buying a new one.

Although US light vehicle sales are expected to fall by 1.2% in 2018 and 0.6% next year, they will remain strong relative to historical levels and are on track to reach 16.9 million units this year.

Western European sales to grow by 2% in 2018 before slowing to 0.5% in 2019, while Japanese sales growth is forecast to slow to 0.1% this year, before accelerating to 1.3% next year. — SG