South Korea’s used car exports boom despite U.S. tariffs

South Korea’s used car industry is experiencing record growth this year, with surging exports helping cushion the impact of steep U.S. tariffs on new vehicles.

At informal export sites in Incheon, traders are loading thousands of second-hand cars for shipment abroad. Dealers say that while sales to the U.S. have been hit by tariffs, business in other markets has expanded sharply.

Record levels of trade

Government data show South Korea exported $5.5 billion worth of vehicles in August 2025, up 9% from a year earlier and the highest monthly total on record. Exports of used cars alone rose 35% year-on-year to $711.5 million, according to the Korea Used Car Distribution Research Institute.

In the first half of 2025, second-hand car exports grew 72% to $3.9 billion, with 437,151 vehicles shipped — representing about a quarter of total auto export volumes.

Russia has become a significant destination, importing an average of 3,277 units per month, a 40% increase from last year. Kyrgyzstan, which re-exports to neighbouring markets, purchased 9,083 units, up 35%. Demand has also risen in the Middle East: Syria imported 11,809 used vehicles in the first half of 2025, compared with just 75 in the same period last year, before a ban on used car imports took effect in July.

Industry concerns

Park Young-hwa, head of the Korea Used Car Export Association, said demand had exceeded expectations. “Exports in the first half alone reached about 450,000 units. We had projected a little over 700,000 for the full year,” he noted.

He added that exporters still face infrastructure challenges. With no dedicated export facilities, private firms often use rented open lots. “In summer, buyers literally get stuck in the mud while inspecting cars. The conditions are inadequate in many respects,” Park said.

Impact of U.S. tariffs

The United States remains South Korea’s largest market for new cars, but the 25% tariff — higher than the 15% applied to Japanese and European vehicles — has slowed shipments. Negotiations continue between the two governments to reduce the rate.

Analysts believe the measures may indirectly support the second-hand sector. “Higher tariffs on new cars generally drive up global vehicle prices over time, which can strengthen the market for used cars,” said Shin Hyun-do, director of the Korea Used Car Distribution Research Institute.

Outlook

Despite logistical hurdles and uncertainty over tariffs, South Korea’s used car exports are expected to reach new highs in both volume and value this year. Industry officials say continued demand from Russia, Central Asia and the Middle East will remain the main drivers of growth.

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