Global Vehicle Shipping in 2025: A Year in Review

24.12.2025

The year 2025 was a defining one for global vehicle shipping. From shifting trade routes and fluctuating freight rates to growing demand for international vehicle exports, the logistics industry faced both challenges and opportunities. Carriers, exporters, and logistics providers had to adapt quickly to changing market conditions, customer expectations, and global disruptions.

 

This year-in-review breaks down the key trends, challenges, and lessons from 2025, helping shippers better understand what shaped the market—and what it means moving forward.

 

Global Demand for Vehicle Shipping Continued to Grow

 

Despite economic uncertainty in some regions, global vehicle shipping demand increased in 2025, driven primarily by:

  • Strong used-car exports from the U.S.

  • Rising demand in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East

  • Increased cross-border trade of SUVs, pickup trucks, and commercial vehicles

 

According to the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), global vehicle production and trade volumes remained stable, supporting consistent international transport demand throughout the year.

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The U.S. remained one of the top exporters of used and salvaged vehicles, with Europe and West Africa continuing as key destinations.

 

Europe Strengthened Its Role as a Key Import Market

 

Europe remained one of the most regulated yet stable destinations for vehicle imports in 2025. Demand for used vehicles from the U.S. stayed strong, especially in:

  • Germany

  • Poland

  • Lithuania

  • Netherlands

  • Spain

 

However, stricter compliance requirements continued to impact shipping timelines. Importers faced increased scrutiny related to emissions standards, documentation accuracy, and VAT/duty calculations.

 

The European Commission reinforced customs enforcement in 2025, emphasizing compliance and transparency.

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Weather and Global Disruptions Continued to Affect Schedules

 

Weather events remained a significant factor in shipping delays throughout 2025. According to NOAA, storms and extreme weather events caused periodic port congestion and vessel schedule changes, especially during peak seasons.

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Additionally, geopolitical tensions and regional disruptions continued to affect certain shipping lanes, reinforcing the importance of contingency planning and flexible routing.

 

The World Bank noted that global supply chains are now more resilient but still vulnerable to sudden disruptions.

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B2B Vehicle Shipping Gained Momentum

While individual (B2C) shipments remained steady, B2B shipping grew significantly in 2025. Auto dealers, exporters, auctions, and resellers increasingly focused on:

  • Multi-vehicle container shipments

  • Long-term logistics partnerships

  • Cost optimization through consolidation

 

This shift emphasized volume efficiency and operational reliability over one-time transactions—a trend expected to continue into 2026.

 

The lessons from 2025 point clearly toward a future focused on efficiency, reliability, and partnership-driven logistics. Companies that invest in secure loading, accurate documentation, and consistent communication are best positioned to succeed.

At All Cargo Export, we continue to adapt to these industry shifts, providing professional worldwide vehicle shipping backed by experience, transparency, and long-term thinking.