BEIJING — China's second-hand car sector continued its recovery momentum in July with a slight increase in sales volume over June, industrial data showed.

About 1.44 million used cars changed hands in July, up 1.88 percent over June despite a traditionally slack season for business, according to the China Automobile Dealers Association.

Used car sales posted a steady growth volume during the April-July period, data from the association showed.

In the first seven months of the year, about 9.03 million second-hand cars were traded, down 8.74 percent year-on-year.

To facilitate the trade of used cars as part of the country's efforts to boost consumption, Chinese authorities have ordered local governments to scrap policies hindering cross-region sales of second-hand cars.

A survey of second-hand car traders showed that sales might continue to rise in August as the impact of bad weather and COVID-19 resurgences subside and supportive policies take effect.