Data from the Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy showed that Libya ranked first among importers of used South Korean cars during the period from January to November of last year, acquiring approximately 119,000 vehicles.
Kyrgyzstan came in second place with 104,000 cars, followed by Turkey with 93,000 cars, then the UAE with 45,000 cars, and Russia with 43,000 cars.
Leap in Used Car Exports
- South Korea’s exports of used cars increased by 82.6% year-on-year during the first 11 months of the current year.
- The value of these exports reached $8.4 billion compared to $4.6 billion in the same period last year.
- Used cars accounted for 12.7% of total Korean car exports, up from 6.1% last year.
Decline in New Car Exports
- Excluding used cars, vehicle exports declined by 4.2% to $57.6 billion.
- The decline is attributed to US tariffs and the Hyundai Motor Group’s efforts to expand its production overseas.
Export Value by Country (January – October 2025)
| Country | Export Value (billion USD) |
|---|---|
| Kyrgyzstan | 2.26 |
| Russia | 0.909 |
| Kazakhstan | 0.664 |
| UAE | 0.337 |
| Turkey | 0.264 |
Industry Statements
A Korean official explained that advanced technology and the growing popularity of Korean brands contributed to increasing the value of used cars, noting that the weak Korean won enhanced competitiveness in foreign markets.
Libya
Libya is a North African country with a rich history rooted in ancient civilizations like the Phoenicians and Romans, followed by centuries of Arab and Ottoman influence. In the modern era, it was an Italian colony before gaining independence in 1951, later undergoing a long period of rule under Muammar Gaddafi from 1969 until the 2011 revolution. Its cultural sites include well-preserved Roman ruins, such as those at Leptis Magna, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
South Korea
South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, is a country in East Asia located on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula. It was formally established in 1948 following the post-World War II division of Korea, and its subsequent rapid industrialization and economic growth is known as the “Miracle on the Han River.” The nation is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, including historic palaces and temples, as well as its modern global influence in technology and popular culture.
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan is a Central Asian country with a rich nomadic heritage, historically situated along the Silk Road. Its cultural identity is deeply tied to traditions like felt-making, epic poetry such as the Manas epic, and a pastoral lifestyle. Modern Kyrgyzstan gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
Turkey
Turkey is a transcontinental nation bridging Europe and Asia, with a rich history as the heart of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Its cultural sites, such as the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul and the ancient ruins of Ephesus, reflect this layered heritage from classical antiquity through to its establishment as the modern Republic of Turkey in 1923.
UAE
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven emirates on the Arabian Peninsula, formed in 1971 following the end of British protection. Historically a region of pearl diving and trade, it has rapidly transformed into a global hub known for its modern architecture, such as the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, and its significant cultural sites, including the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
Russia
Russia is a vast transcontinental nation with a history spanning over a millennium, from the medieval Kievan Rus’ state through the Tsardom of Russia, the Russian Empire, and the Soviet Union to its current form as the Russian Federation. Its cultural heritage is deeply reflected in sites like the Kremlin and Red Square in Moscow, the historic center of Saint Petersburg, and numerous Orthodox churches and fortresses across the country.
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is a Central Asian nation with a rich nomadic history, historically inhabited by Turkic tribes and later part of the Silk Road and the Russian Empire before becoming a Soviet republic. It gained independence in 1991 following the dissolution of the USSR. Culturally significant sites include the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a 14th-century UNESCO World Heritage site, and the modern capital, Nur-Sultan (formerly Astana), which symbolizes the country’s contemporary development.
Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy
The Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) is a South Korean government ministry responsible for national industrial, trade, and energy policy. It was originally established in 1948 as the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, evolving through several reorganizations to address the nation’s rapid industrialization and economic development. Its current form, adopted in 2013, reflects a strategic focus on fostering future growth engines and enhancing energy security.
Hyundai Motor Group
Hyundai Motor Group is a South Korean multinational automotive manufacturer founded in 1967 by Chung Ju-yung. It has grown from a local car assembler into one of the world’s largest vehicle manufacturers, known for its significant investments in research, development, and innovative technologies like electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
