Import of passenger cars to Ukraine: how the supply map is changing
31 October 2025 19:55
In January-August 2025, 258.3 thousand passenger cars were imported into Ukraine, which is 20% more than in the same period last year. The total customs value of imports reached $3.7 billion, showing an increase of 25%, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports, citing Ukravtoprom statistics.
The acceleration of value over the rate of physical growth means an increase in the average price of an imported car by about 4% year-on-year: approximately $14.3 thousand per unit compared to last year’s level.
Geography of supply: Top 10 countries and their shares
Germany remains the leader in deliveries with 56.9 thousand cars, which corresponds to about 22% of total imports. The second position is held by the United States – 46 thousand cars (17.8%), the third – by China with 27.1 thousand (10.5%).
Next are:
- Japan – 23.2 thousand (9.0%),
- South Korea – 16.7 thousand (6.5%),
- France – 16.4 thousand (6.3%),
- Czech Republic – 13 thousand (5.0%),
- Great Britain – 11.7 thousand (4.5%),
- Mexico – 10.5 thousand (4.1%),
- Slovakia – 6.3 thousand (2.4%).
Other countries account for about 30.5 thousand cars, or almost 11.8% of total imports.
This structure reflects different supply models: the EU receives a significant volume of used cars and some new cars from continental plants; the US provides a stable supply channel for used and refurbished cars. China is rapidly expanding its presence thanks to competitive prices for new models, including electrified ones. Japan and Korea are traditionally strong in hybrids and compact segments. Mexico and Slovakia are mostly new cars from local production sites of global brands.
In addition, the current supply geography creates a demand for a service infrastructure “mix”:
- official service stations for new cars from Mexico, Slovakia and Korea;
- specialized service stations with knowledge of electrified platforms for Chinese and Japanese models;
- networks working with body repair and electronics for refurbished cars from the US.
The players who offer a full cycle, from selection and customs support to financing, insurance, and service, will win.
Why the customs value of cars is growing
Economists explain that a 25% increase in customs value with a 20% increase in the number of cars indicates a slight shift towards more expensive packages, newer years of production, or a larger share of new cars in the mix. Fluctuations in exchange rates and logistics, as well as demand for electrified models, which usually have a higher average price, may have played a role. As a result, the average import bill rose to about $14.3 thousand per car.
Read also: Top 3 Chinese car brands in Ukraine: who took over the market in 2025
Demand for cars: what revitalizes it and what puts pressure on it
The post-war recovery of the vehicle fleet, the return of a part of the working population to large cities, and the stabilization of logistics channels are fueling demand.
On the other hand, risks to household incomes and the cost of lending are holding back the shift to premium segments, while maintaining a high interest in used cars from the EU and the US. The presence of extensive sales and service networks for popular models from Germany, France, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia reduces barriers to importation and operation.
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Risks for dealers and consumers
Car market analysts note that the key risks on the horizon are exchange rate volatility, possible changes in customs and tax rules, and global factors such as revised environmental standards in countries of origin (which will affect the supply of used cars) or supply chain disruptions.
Channels from the US and the UK are sensitive to logistics tariffs, insurance rates, and transportation times. Geopolitical risks and financing conditions remain crucial for the route from China. On the domestic market, issues of warranty and post-warranty service, availability of spare parts, and transparency of used car histories remain important.
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