The tightening of used car export policies in 2026, which strictly limited the export of new cars disguised as used cars, unexpectedly created new structural opportunities for some markets.
Central Asia, a well-known “red ocean” region, has ironically seen new development opportunities emerge due to policy adjustments.
The Central Asian market, leveraging the China-Europe Railway Express, has reduced used car transportation costs by one-third, shortened the transit time to 28 days, and increased the cargo acceptance rate to 99%, with logistics stability far exceeding traditional African routes.
Southeast Asia, supported by the China-Laos Railway and the ASEAN Free Trade Area, boasts logistics costs that are more than 30% lower than in Africa. The comprehensive supporting infrastructure fully meets the new policy’s requirements for “export-supported after-sales service,” providing a solid foundation for used car exports.
Part 1：The supply chain system has been increasingly improved,and logistics costs have been significantly reduced.
The Central Asian market, leveraging the China-Europe Railway Express, has reduced used car transportation costs by one-third, shortened the transit time to 28 days, and increased the cargo acceptance rate to 99%, with logistical stability far exceeding traditional African routes.
Southeast Asia, supported by the China-Laos Railway and the ASEAN Free Trade Area, boasts logistics costs that are more than 30% lower than in Africa. The comprehensive supporting infrastructure fully meets the new policy’s requirements for “export-supported after-sales service,” providing a solid foundation for used car exports.
Part.2：Domestic brands have a solid market foundation in Central Asia and Southeast Asia.AUTOMOBILE EXPORTS
Of the 24,000 electric vehicles imported to Uzbekistan in 2024, 23,900 were from China, accounting for a staggering 99.5%. In 2025, six of the top ten best-selling car brands in Kazakhstan were Chinese brands.
On the roads of the five Central Asian countries, six out of every ten new cars are Chinese brands, and Chery and Geely have established more dealerships locally than Japanese and Korean brands.
Local dealers generally believe that “the intelligent features and cost-effectiveness of Chinese cars are unmatched by other brands.” This high brand recognition provides a natural customer base for used car exports.
Part.3：AUTOMOBILE EXPORTS
Strong policy adaptability. Mature certification process.
Most countries in Central Asia and Southeast Asia have established cooperation mechanisms with my country for the export of used cars, including Russia’s GOST certification and Southeast Asia’s ASEANNCAP certification.
The processes are quite mature. The tax refund system is well-established, creating a stable and reliable market environment.
More importantly, domestically produced electric and hybrid vehicles are better suited to the actual needs of local users, both geographically and climatically.
Part.4：The auto parts market has huge potential and strong demand from extended industries.AUTOMOBILE EXPORTS
In Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, there are over 20 repair shops specializing in Chinese-made cars.
As the market share of Chinese brands continues to rise in Central Asia and Southeast Asia, related industries such as auto parts, charging stations, and car detailing will experience strong demand.
This complete industrial ecosystem will not only support the continued development of the used car business but also bring more value to the entire industry chain.
In the coming years, this once-congested region, with its unique advantages of a mature supply chain, high recognition of domestic brands, and strong policy adaptability, will continue to be a golden area for used car exports.
