New Delhi, March 6: India and China remain among the largest exporters of automobiles to West Asia, shipping vehicles worth billions of dollars each year to the region. However, the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran has raised concerns about potential disruptions to this crucial trade route.
The conflict, which entered its seventh day on Friday, has heightened tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime corridor through which a significant portion of Asia’s vehicle exports to West Asia are transported. Shipping activity along the route has slowed amid fears of possible attacks.
For China, West Asia is the second-largest overseas market for vehicles. Chinese automakers exported about 8.32 million vehicles globally in 2025, of which 1.39 million units were shipped to Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Major exporters include Chery Automobile, BYD, SAIC Motor, Changan Automobile, and Geely.
India also has a strong presence in the region. In 2025, India exported cars worth $8.8 billion, with nearly 25 percent destined for West Asia, mainly Saudi Arabia. Hyundai Motor has the largest exposure, with nearly half of its global shipments from India heading to Gulf countries. Toyota, Maruti Suzuki, and Nissan also export a significant number of vehicles to the region.
South Korea exported vehicles worth $5.3 billion to West Asia in 2025, while Japan’s Toyota shipped more than 320,000 vehicles to the region during the same period.
Industry analysts warn that continued tensions in the Gulf could disrupt supply chains and affect automobile shipments from Asia to one of their most important export markets.
