How many cars do Ukrainians buy at American auctions: demand is quite high

Ukrainians continue to actively purchase vehicles at American auctions. Despite seasonal fluctuations, logistical delays, and changing tax regulations, demand remains remarkably stable. Discover how many vehicles Ukrainians purchase each week and which factors most strongly influence demand

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For several years now, the Ukrainian car market has been actively oriented towards the United States and Canada — primarily towards Copart, IAAI and other insurance auctions where cars are sold after accidents, hail damage, theft or minor damage. Such cars are in demand due to their more favourable prices, wide selection and the ability to choose a car with the desired configuration.

Experts from the Automotive Market Research Institute analysed data from AutoAstat and found out how actively Ukrainians have been buying cars at American auctions over the past 20 weeks. The results were revealing: demand remains high despite fluctuations caused by logistics, seasonality and legislative changes.

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There is stable demand among Ukrainians

According to analysts, Ukrainian buyers — both dealers and private customers — generate steady demand of 1,300–1,400 cars per week. This is a significant indicator that shows the real activity of the market 2–3 months before the cars are included in the statistics of first registrations by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

However, the purchase schedule does not look smooth: it is more like a roller coaster — from peaks of about 1,500 cars to sharp declines to 800.

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Why did demand fluctuate so much?

Experts explain all the changes with entirely logical factors.

American holidays

The first dips in the graph are due to the fact that in the US, auctions operate in a limited mode on Independence Day and Labour Day, there are fewer lots, and logistics slow down. During such periods, Ukrainian buyers are simply physically unable to buy as many cars as usual.

Peak demand before the end of tax breaks

In weeks 41–42, sales soared to almost 1,400 cars. The reason was the massive activity of electric car buyers who were rushing to get their cars before 31 December 2025 to take advantage of the zero VAT rate.

Given that delivery from the United States takes at least two months, the deal had to be completed by mid-October, which led to increased demand.

Sharp decline due to uncertainty

In weeks 43–44, demand fell to 826 cars. Two factors played a role here:

• buyers realised that the cars would not arrive before the end of the tax break;

• conflicting news reports began to appear in the media about a possible extension of the zero VAT rate — and were just as quickly refuted.

This uncertainty forced many to abandon their bids — after all, the risk of cars becoming at least 20% more expensive was too great.

The market quickly recovered

Activity began to return as early as week 45. Buyers adapted, the media hype subsided, and the focus of demand likely shifted towards cars with internal combustion engines, for which delivery times are not as critical.

Reminder! The American and Ukrainian car insurance systems differ in structure, coverage and cost of policies. Find out how compulsory motor insurance works in the US and Ukraine, which policies are needed for full protection and how much insurance costs in each country.

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