Japan Used Car Export Statistics – August 2026 | 144,447 Units Shipped as Tanzania Closes to Within 1,104 Units of Russia
Japan exported 144,447 used vehicles in August 2026.
This was an increase of 9,675 vehicles from 134,772 units in August 2025, representing 107.2% year on year, or growth of 7.2%. Exports also increased by 4,436 vehicles from 140,011 units in July 2026, reaching 103.2% month on month.
Cumulative exports from January through August totaled 1,137,821 vehicles, equivalent to 102.7% of the same period in 2025. After falling below the previous year’s level in July, monthly exports returned to year-on-year growth in August.
The most notable development was not simply the recovery in total volume, but the significant change in the mix of export destinations.
Russia remained the largest destination with 18,024 vehicles, but exports fell 24.4% from July. Tanzania, meanwhile, surged 46.1% month on month to 16,920 vehicles, narrowing the gap between the two countries to just 1,104 units.
Kenya also moved up to third place, while Zambia entered the top 20. The six African countries ranked among the top 20 destinations accounted for 37,954 vehicles, or 26.3% of Japan’s total used car exports in August.
Data source: Used Car Export Statistics for August 2026 published by the Japan Used Motor Vehicle Exporters Association (JUMVEA). Japan Carrier calculated and organized the year-on-year, month-on-month and market-share figures using JUMVEA data. The figures were also cross-checked against this publicly available table based on JUMVEA statistics.
Japan’s Used Car Exports Increased 7.2% Year on Year in August 2026
The key figures for August are as follows:
Indicator | August 2026 | Comparison | Change |
Monthly export volume | 144,447 vehicles | August 2025: 134,772 | +9,675 |
Year-on-year index | 107.2% | — | +7.2% |
Month-on-month index | 103.2% | July 2026: 140,011 | +4,436 |
January–August total | 1,137,821 vehicles | Same period in 2025: 1,107,985 | +29,836 |
Cumulative year-on-year index | 102.7% | — | +2.7% |
Although the overall market exceeded the previous year’s level, growth was not evenly distributed across all destinations.
Excluding the UAE, August exports reached 122.6% of the August 2025 level. On a cumulative basis, exports excluding the UAE reached 116.2% of the same period in 2025.
The sharp decline in shipments to the UAE continued to weigh on the overall total, while exports to Russia, Tanzania, Chile, Mongolia and the United Kingdom increased.
August should therefore be viewed not simply as a recovery in the overall market, but as a month in which the geographical distribution of export demand changed substantially.
Top 20 Destinations for Japanese Used Car Exports in August 2026
Rank | Destination | August exports | vs. Aug. 2025 | vs. July 2026 | Jan.–Aug. total | vs. Jan.–Aug. 2025 |
1 | Russia | 18,024 | 118.7% | 75.6% | 152,464 | 131.6% |
2 | Tanzania | 16,920 | 141.8% | 146.1% | 116,595 | 169.3% |
3 | Kenya | 7,525 | 101.9% | 113.9% | 51,272 | 103.4% |
4 | New Zealand | 7,294 | 116.9% | 91.1% | 62,140 | 126.6% |
5 | Chile | 6,987 | 179.3% | 98.7% | 59,966 | 124.2% |
6 | Mongolia | 6,117 | 188.9% | 72.7% | 56,694 | 117.1% |
7 | South Africa | 5,130 | 106.7% | 95.1% | 48,911 | 122.2% |
8 | Thailand | 4,878 | 178.6% | 101.8% | 33,030 | 94.4% |
9 | Jamaica | 4,355 | 131.1% | 412.0% | 17,961 | 84.5% |
10 | Philippines | 3,237 | 106.7% | 118.7% | 24,839 | 88.1% |
11 | United Kingdom | 3,236 | 152.9% | 115.4% | 25,377 | 153.8% |
12 | Guyana | 3,156 | 118.0% | 131.8% | 19,482 | 116.2% |
13 | Malaysia | 3,139 | 145.2% | 79.0% | 35,275 | 110.8% |
14 | Uganda | 3,010 | 112.0% | 88.0% | 25,416 | 102.5% |
15 | Cyprus | 2,863 | 131.1% | 113.1% | 24,695 | 114.3% |
16 | Pakistan | 2,816 | 67.7% | 128.5% | 9,571 | 32.7% |
17 | Zambia | 2,788 | 175.2% | 131.1% | 16,432 | 129.6% |
18 | Sri Lanka | 2,763 | 48.1% | 45.2% | 47,126 | 127.2% |
19 | Australia | 2,645 | 126.6% | 117.5% | 16,752 | 140.1% |
20 | Ghana | 2,581 | 116.3% | 96.5% | 20,028 | 128.2% |
— | Total | 144,447 | 107.2% | 103.2% | 1,137,821 | 102.7% |
Russia Remains No. 1, but Tanzania Narrows the Gap to 1,104 Vehicles
Russia remained Japan’s largest used car export destination in August.
However, exports to Russia decreased from 23,840 vehicles in July to 18,024 in August. This represents 75.6% of the previous month’s volume and a decrease of 5,816 vehicles.
Russia’s share of Japan’s total used car exports also fell from 17.0% in July to 12.5% in August.
Despite the month-on-month decline, shipments were still 118.7% of the August 2025 level. Cumulative exports from January through August reached 152,464 vehicles, or 131.6% of the same period in 2025.
The monthly decline is therefore not yet sufficient to conclude that the medium-term growth trend has ended.
Japan’s export controls relating to Russia cover certain vehicles, including passenger cars with engine capacities exceeding 1,900cc and hybrid passenger vehicles. Whether an individual used vehicle is subject to these controls must be checked based on its HS code and specifications.
Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry also advises exporters to confirm whether each used vehicle falls within the scope of the restrictions in its FAQ on export and import controls relating to Russia.
Concentrated demand for smaller-engine vehicles that are not covered by the controls may be one factor supporting exports to Russia.
However, the statistics alone cannot determine whether the August decline was caused by a change in demand or by monthly fluctuations such as vessel schedules and shipment timing.
Exports to Tanzania Increased by 5,342 Vehicles from July
Exports to Tanzania reached 16,920 vehicles, equivalent to 141.8% of the August 2025 level and 146.1% of the July 2026 level.
The month-on-month increase amounted to 5,342 vehicles. This was almost equal to Russia’s decrease of 5,816 vehicles, turning the August ranking into a close race between the two markets.
Cumulative exports to Tanzania from January through August reached 116,595 vehicles, or 169.3% of the same period in 2025.
This indicates that the growth is not limited to a single month. Tanzania has maintained a high rate of expansion throughout 2026.
One important factor is the gateway function of the Port of Dar es Salaam.
According to the Tanzania Ports Authority, the port handles approximately 95% of Tanzania’s international trade and also serves landlocked countries including Zambia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, Malawi, Uganda and Zimbabwe. More information is available from the Tanzania Ports Authority’s Port of Dar es Salaam overview.
JUMVEA statistics do not identify the final destination of every vehicle. However, Tanzania’s growth cannot necessarily be attributed solely to domestic demand.
Part of this volume may represent vehicles entering Tanzania as a gateway to other markets in East and Central Africa.
Whether Tanzania overtakes Russia to become Japan’s largest monthly used car export destination will be one of the main points to watch from September onward.
Six African Markets Accounted for 26.3% of Total Exports
African markets continued to increase their presence in Japan’s used car export statistics in August.
The following six African destinations were included in the top 20:
Destination | August exports | vs. Aug. 2025 | vs. July 2026 |
Tanzania | 16,920 | 141.8% | 146.1% |
Kenya | 7,525 | 101.9% | 113.9% |
South Africa | 5,130 | 106.7% | 95.1% |
Uganda | 3,010 | 112.0% | 88.0% |
Zambia | 2,788 | 175.2% | 131.1% |
Ghana | 2,581 | 116.3% | 96.5% |
Total | 37,954 | — | — |
Together, these six countries accounted for 26.3% of Japan’s total used car exports in August.
Kenya rose from sixth place in July to third place in August. Zambia also climbed from 22nd to 17th place.
The expansion was therefore not limited to Tanzania. Demand for Japanese used vehicles increased across several African markets, particularly in East Africa and surrounding regions.
From a shipping and logistics perspective, exporters must consider not only the port of discharge but also the country where each vehicle will ultimately be registered and used.
For cargo destined for landlocked countries, logistics planning should include inland transportation, customs documentation, import inspections and insurance requirements.
Exports to Sri Lanka Fell Below the Previous Year for the Third Consecutive Month
Exports to Sri Lanka totaled 2,763 vehicles, equivalent to 48.1% of the August 2025 level and 45.2% of the July 2026 level.
Shipments decreased by 3,350 vehicles from 6,113 in July, while Sri Lanka’s ranking fell from seventh to 18th place.
Year-on-year performance has remained below the previous year’s level for three consecutive months:
June: 91.8%
July: 53.2%
August: 48.1%
However, cumulative exports from January through August still reached 47,126 vehicles, or 127.2% of the same period in 2025. Strong shipments at the beginning of the year kept the cumulative total above the previous year, although the recent slowdown is now clear.
One possible factor restricting demand is the combined burden of vehicle prices and automotive financing.
Effective May 25, 2026, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka reduced the maximum loan-to-value ratios for vehicle financing by 10 percentage points. The central bank also cited higher vehicle prices resulting from exchange-rate movements and a temporary surcharge on vehicle imports. Details are available in the Central Bank of Sri Lanka announcement.
Vehicle imports have not stopped entirely.
According to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, vehicle imports were valued at USD 241 million in July 2026 and USD 1.495 billion from January through July. See the bank’s External Sector Performance report for July 2026.
The current decline should therefore be viewed as an adjustment involving taxation, pricing and financing conditions rather than a complete suspension of the import market.
UAE Falls Outside the Top 20 Again
Exports to the UAE totaled 2,418 vehicles, equivalent to only 12.8% of the August 2025 level.
Shipments decreased by 862 vehicles from 3,280 in July, resulting in a month-on-month index of 73.7%. The UAE fell from 12th place in July to 21st place in August and moved outside the top 20 again.
Cumulative exports from January through August totaled 46,501 vehicles, or just 27.6% of the same period in 2025.
Overall exports reached 107.2% of the previous year’s level in August. Excluding the UAE, however, the figure rises to 122.6%.
The same pattern can be seen in the cumulative results: total exports were 102.7% of the previous year’s level, but 116.2% when the UAE is excluded.
These figures indicate that Japan’s overall used car export market is not fundamentally weak. Instead, the sharp decline in shipments to the UAE—historically a major re-export hub—is significantly reducing the total growth rate.
The statistics alone cannot determine whether the UAE decline is being caused by lower final demand, inventory adjustments, logistics, payment conditions or changes in re-export routes.
Both shipping conditions and local distribution trends will require continued monitoring.
Jamaica Surges to 4.1 Times July’s Volume and Climbs from 29th to Ninth Place
Jamaica recorded the largest ranking change in August.
Exports reached 4,355 vehicles, an increase of 3,298 from 1,057 in July. This represents a month-on-month index of 412.0%, while Jamaica’s ranking jumped from 29th to ninth place.
However, cumulative exports from January through August totaled 17,961 vehicles, or 84.5% of the same period in 2025.
Although August recorded exceptional growth, cumulative shipments remained below the previous year’s level.
It would therefore be premature to identify Jamaica as a structurally expanding market based on one month’s results. The increase may include monthly factors such as concentrated vessel shipments or cargo carried over from the previous month.
Whether exports remain at the 3,000–4,000-unit level from September onward will be an important indicator of whether this is a sustained trend.
UK Exports Grow by More Than 50% on Both Monthly and Cumulative Comparisons
Exports to the United Kingdom reached 3,236 vehicles, equivalent to 152.9% of the August 2025 level and 115.4% of the July 2026 level.
Cumulative exports from January through August also reached 25,377 vehicles, or 153.8% of the same period in 2025.
The similar growth rates for both the monthly and cumulative figures indicate that the increase was not limited to August.
Right-hand-drive markets such as the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia are generally well suited to Japanese used vehicles. These markets should continue to be monitored, including changes in vehicle type and average unit value.
Mongolia also recorded strong year-on-year growth, reaching 188.9% of the August 2025 level, although exports fell to 72.7% of July’s volume.
Pakistan recovered to 128.5% month on month but remained at only 67.7% year on year and 32.7% on a cumulative basis.
When evaluating market growth, it is important to consider the year-on-year, month-on-month and cumulative comparisons separately.
August 2026 Used Car Exports from a Shipping and Logistics Perspective
The August statistics highlight several important considerations for exporters and logistics providers.
1. Monitor Vessel Space for East African Routes
If shipments to Tanzania, Kenya and Zambia continue to increase, space availability on RORO vessels and container services to East Africa will become increasingly important.
Exporters should also monitor cargo delivery deadlines and vehicle storage conditions at the port.
2. Distinguish the Port of Discharge from the Final Destination
When vehicles are transported from the Port of Dar es Salaam to landlocked countries, exporters must consider more than Tanzanian customs procedures.
Age restrictions, inspections and vehicle registration requirements in the final destination country must also be confirmed.
3. Avoid Increasing Inventory Based on a Single Monthly Surge
Markets such as Jamaica can record major monthly fluctuations.
Demand at the same level may not continue in the following month. Purchasing and inventory decisions should therefore be based on cumulative figures and multi-month trends rather than a single month’s ranking.
4. Monitor Both Import Regulations and Financing Conditions
Even when vehicle imports remain legally possible, changes in taxation and local financing conditions can quickly affect purchasing power, as seen in Sri Lanka.
Japan Carrier provides integrated support for used vehicle exports, including RORO and container shipping arrangements, export customs clearance, pre-export inspections, documentation and international marine cargo insurance.
For more information, please visit our used vehicle customs clearance and shipping services page.
Five Trends to Watch from September 2026
The following developments will require close attention:
Whether Tanzania overtakes Russia to become the largest monthly destination
Whether Russia’s month-on-month decline was temporary
Whether Sri Lanka stabilizes at approximately 3,000 vehicles per month
Whether the UAE returns to the top 20
Whether Jamaica maintains its sharp increase after August
Cumulative exports from January through August reached 1,137,821 vehicles, 2.7% above the same period in 2025.
The overall market continues to grow, but its composition is shifting away from a structure heavily dependent on the UAE and becoming more diversified across Russia, East Africa and developed right-hand-drive markets.
In the coming months, it will be important to monitor not only total export volume but also which countries are absorbing the decline in shipments to the UAE.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many used vehicles did Japan export in August 2026?
Japan exported 144,447 used vehicles in August 2026. This was an increase of 7.2% from 134,772 vehicles in August 2025 and an increase of 3.2% from 140,011 vehicles in July 2026.
What was the largest destination for Japanese used cars in August 2026?
Russia was the largest destination, with 18,024 vehicles exported. This was equivalent to 118.7% of the August 2025 volume. Tanzania ranked second with 16,920 vehicles.
What was the difference between exports to Russia and Tanzania?
The difference was 1,104 vehicles. Exports to Russia decreased by 5,816 vehicles from July, while exports to Tanzania increased by 5,342 vehicles.
How many used vehicles did Japan export from January through August 2026?
Cumulative exports totaled 1,137,821 vehicles. This was an increase of 29,836 vehicles from 1,107,985 during the same period in 2025, representing growth of 2.7%.
How significant were used car exports to Africa in August 2026?
Six African countries were ranked among the top 20 destinations and accounted for a combined 37,954 vehicles. These six countries represented 26.3% of Japan’s total used car exports in August.
Why are used car exports to Sri Lanka declining?
Exports to Sri Lanka totaled 2,763 vehicles in August, equivalent to 48.1% of the previous year’s level and 45.2% of the previous month’s volume.
In addition to taxation and exchange-rate effects, the reduction in maximum loan-to-value ratios for vehicle financing in May 2026 may be restricting local purchasing power.
What is the source of these statistics?
The figures are based on the Used Car Export Statistics published by the Japan Used Motor Vehicle Exporters Association (JUMVEA).
All monthly, year-on-year, month-on-month and January–August cumulative figures in this article use JUMVEA data as the common basis.
If you need assistance with destination selection, import regulations, pre-export inspections, shipping or customs clearance for used vehicles, please contact Japan Carrier.
You can also review the previous month’s results in our July 2026 Used Car Export Market Report.
👉 Past Export Reports：
📚 過去の統計記事 / Past Monthly Reports:
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2025年11月の統計記事/November 2025 Report
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