PS2 had export limitations put on it by Japan. There were also rumors that Saddam was using them for a supercomputer.

I do have the odd anecdote, way back in the day, I was in a CompUSA in Dearborn MI and overheard a middle eastern guy at the counter asking if they had any PS2s. When they said no (this was a point where availability was low) instead he bought bought at least 5 (might have been 10?) PS1s.

Many fond memories at that CompUSA. Sad all those retailers are gone now.

Honestly, might have also been just to resell back home to consumers - I doubt it would’ve been easy to import, too.