Middle East Instability Halves Used Car Exports via Incheon Port

Used car exports via Incheon Port have seen a significant decline of 25.9% in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year. Data from the Incheon Port Authority reveals that 241,934 used cars were exported in the first half of this year, representing only 74.1% of the 326,342 units exported in the first half of 2025.

The primary driver behind this sharp decrease is the geopolitical instability in the Middle East, stemming from the US invasion of Iran. Exports to 16 Middle Eastern countries, which are key destinations for used cars from Incheon, plummeted to 36,640 units in the first half of 2026, a stark drop from 139,342 units in the same period last year. This represents a decrease from 42.7% to 15.1% of Incheon's total used car exports.

Exports to specific Middle Eastern nations have been severely impacted. Shipments to Turkey, for instance, fell to just 1,054 units from 67,208 units year-on-year. Similarly, exports to the United Arab Emirates decreased from 26,507 to 8,208 units, Jordan from 21,954 to 6,778, Iraq from 1,274 to 382, and Syria from 10,681 to 6,625. Exports to Iran also reduced from 462 to 206 units.

Despite efforts by export companies to find alternative routes, officials acknowledge limitations in circumventing the Middle East's reduced demand. Libya remains the largest export destination for used cars from Incheon in the first half of 2026, with 56,536 units exported, though this marks a 24% decrease. Kyrgyzstan, Albania, and Tajikistan saw increases in exports.

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Used car exports to the Middle East have significantly decreased. While export companies have attempted to reroute exports through other regions, it seems there are limitations.