1,200 Chinese EVs Stranded in Gulf of Oman as Middle East Tensions Disrupt Auto Exports

Approximately 1,200 Chinese new energy vehicles (NEVs)—including brands such as Changan, Jishi (Ji Shi), and Fangcheng Bao—destined for Iran and Iraq via transshipment through Dubai have been stranded in the Gulf of Oman due to shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The military actions by the U.S. and Israel against Iran have caused communication and payment outages, leaving Bobilu, a Dubai-based Chinese trading firm, grappling with halted receivables, soaring port demurrage fees, and critically low inventory levels. Relying heavily on high inventory turnover and re-export trade, the company faces potential losses if these vehicles cannot dock within a month. In response, some automakers are rerouting shipments to alternative ports such as those in Oman and Fujairah, adding $100–200 per vehicle to logistics costs. Despite short-term pressures, industry insiders remain optimistic about the long-term growth of Chinese NEVs in the Middle East. Full-year exports of complete vehicles to the region are projected to reach 1.39 million units in 2025, up 40% year-on-year, with market share expected to rise to 15%. Experts view this crisis as a localized disruption unlikely to undermine the overall competitive advantages of Chinese automakers in supply chain efficiency and cost structure.