Imports of used cars from South Korea to Russia increased by 68% in September

In September 2025, 10.7 thousand used passenger cars were imported from South Korea to Russia, which is 68% more than in September 2024. Sergey Tselikov, director of the Autostat analytical agency, told about this in his Telegram channel. The increase compared to the previous month was 3.5%.

The most popular brands imported were Kia (2980 units), BMW (2079 units), Hyundai (1759 units), Mercedes-Benz (1123 units) and Audi (592 units). The top five models are Hyundai Palisade, Kia Sorento and Carnival, BMW 5 series and Kia K5.

According to the analyst, a total of 72.3 thousand used passenger cars were imported from South Korea to Russia from January to September. This area is the second largest importer of used cars in Russia after Japan. However, the country receives fresher and more expensive cars from Korea, which are an alternative to new Chinese ones, the expert noted.

"The upcoming increase in recycling and the cancellation of benefits for cars over 160 hp will primarily affect this particular area of import," Tselikov stressed.

They were scrapped: who will have to pay extra for customs clearance of purchased cars

Increased recycling will lead to millions of dollars in costs for car owners

Earlier that day, Andrey Osipov, Commercial Director of Interleasing Group, said that the expected introduction of a new recycling calculation mechanism from November 1 would make it unprofitable for private buyers to import about 50% of popular car models to Russia. Powerful BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Toyota cars will rise in price by about 30-40% for individuals, he believes.

The day before, it became known that in September 2025, 9.9 thousand used passenger cars were imported from China to Russia. This is a quarter more than in August of this year, and four times more than in September 2024.

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