The threat of war between the United States and Israel on one side and Iran on the other, which entered its seventh day yesterday, risks disrupting car shipments from Asia to the Middle East. The region represents a major export market for Asian car manufacturers, which export billions of dollars worth of vehicles to the Middle East via the Strait of Hormuz. China The Middle East is the second-largest external market for Chinese-made cars and a region of growing importance for the Asian giant, which is seeking to compensate for weak domestic demand. Among major Chinese car exporters are Chery Automobile, BYD, Geely, and others. Joint Chinese ventures with companies like Kia, Hyundai Motor, and Toyota Motor are also among the top 10 car exporters to the Middle East, according to data from the JASCO Automotive Institute. India India exported cars worth $8.8 billion in 2025, with 25% of that going to the Middle East, according to available customs data. Hyundai is the most exposed to this market. Toyota is also significantly exposed, with about two-thirds of its exports from India, or over $300 million out of its total $470 million in exports last year, going to the Middle East. Data showed Nissan Motor's exposure from India was about $318 million or 38% of its total exports for 2025. South Korea South Korea's total car exports by value in 2025 reached a record $72 billion, including $5.3 billion in vehicles sent to the Middle East, a 2.8% increase from 2024, according to the Korea International Trade Association. Hyundai Motor's exports to the Middle East and Africa accounted for 8% of its wholesale sales in 2025, which reached 4.14 million units. Kia shipped 8% of its 2025 wholesale sales of 3.1 million units to the Middle East and Africa. Japan Toyota exported more than 320,600 cars from Japan to the Middle East in 2025, a 5.4% increase from 2024, according to data released by the company. This figure represented just over 15% of the company's total exports, which exceeded 2 million units last year. According to a Japanese newspaper, the company will produce about 40,000 fewer vehicles to direct to Middle East markets due to logistical concerns related to the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran.
