Disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, caused by ongoing Middle East conflicts, have significantly impacted the supply of Japanese cars to the region, opening a rare window of opportunity for Chinese automakers to expand their foothold in the market.
According to China’s Daily Economic News, major Japanese automakers including Toyota, Mazda, Nissan, and Subaru have cut production and suspended exports to the Middle East due to the navigational difficulties in the Strait of Hormuz. Some regional car dealers have been left waiting over two months with no vehicles to sell.
Faced with an acute shortage, Middle Eastern dealers have begun urgently shifting their purchasing orders toward Chinese-made vehicles. Many took the opportunity to attend the Beijing Auto Show, which opened on the 24th, to negotiate directly with Chinese manufacturers. Industry observers say this signals a loosening of Japanese automakers’ long-dominant grip on the Middle East market.
One such dealer, Abdullah, who operates in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and sells both Toyota and Chinese brand Changan vehicles, said the sudden drop in Toyota supply left him with almost nothing to offer customers. He has since converted most of his showroom space to display Changan models. Abdullah noted that Chinese brand vehicles are typically 20 percent to 40 percent cheaper than comparable Japanese or Korean models, and come well-equipped with features — making them increasingly attractive to younger Saudi consumers.
The shift reflects a broader structural opportunity for Chinese automakers in a region where Japanese brands have long held dominance. If supply chain disruptions persist, China’s auto industry could secure a lasting and meaningful presence in the Middle East market.
Source: Central News Agency (Taiwan), April 26, 2026
https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202604260163.aspx