On June 25, Cui Dongshu, secretary-general of the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), released China’s automobile export data for May 2026. The data showed that China exported 987,000 vehicles in May, up 42% year-on-year and 5% from April. Total vehicle exports for the first five months of 2026 reached 4.24 million units, representing a 49% increase from a year earlier. Export data of China vehicles from 2007 to May 2026 From a monthly perspective, China’s vehicle exports have continued to display seasonal patterns in recent years, with overseas shipments typically strengthening during the summer months, contrasting with domestic market trends. New-energy vehicles (NEVs) remained a key growth driver. China exported 463,000 NEVs in May, up 59% year-on-year. During January-May, cumulative NEV exports reached 1.89 million units, a 61% increase, significantly outpacing the growth rate of overall vehicle exports. Export data of China NEVs from 2020 to May 2026 The export mix is also becoming more diversified. Chinese NEV exports are gradually evolving from a predominantly battery-electric vehicle (BEV) structure toward a broader portfolio. Among vehicles exported in May, BEVs accounted for 29%, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) for 17%, hybrid vehicles for 9%, while internal combustion engine vehicles declined to 35% of total exports. Notably, PHEVs and hybrids have emerged as new growth engines. At the same time, exports of new-energy trucks have delivered strong performance, becoming an important source of incremental growth within the commercial vehicle sector. Exported China NEVs aross different powertrains from 2020 to May 2026 In terms of market distribution, the most significant shift this year has come from South America. Data showed that Brazil has overtaken Belgium to become the largest export destination for Chinese NEVs. China exported 67,161 NEVs to Brazil in May, ranking first among overseas markets. Australia followed with 45,006 units, ahead of Thailand with 38,670 units, the Philippines with 34,325 units, and the United Kingdom with 24,973 units. Data on NEV exports from China to various countries According to Cui, Chinese automakers’ efforts to localize production and establish supply-chain operations in Brazil have been a major factor behind the rapid growth in exports. As companies including BYD and Great Wall Motor continue expanding investments in the country, Brazil has become one of the most important growth markets for China’s overseas NEV expansion. Europe also maintained positive momentum. Demand for new-energy vehicles continued to grow in markets such as Germany and Italy, supporting higher sales volumes for Chinese brands. However, compared with previous years when exports relied heavily on Western Europe, Chinese NEV exports are now increasingly spreading across South America, Southeast Asia and Oceania. In contrast, the Middle East experienced notable volatility due to geopolitical factors. Data showed that China’s vehicle exports to the United Arab Emirates fell 76% year-on-year in May, while exports to Saudi Arabia declined 41% and shipments to Türkiye dropped 61%, creating some pressure on overall export growth. Data on vehicle exports from China to various countries In terms of total vehicle exports, Russia remained China’s largest overseas automotive market. China’s top five export destinations in May were Russia with 94,301 vehicles, Brazil with 90,242, Australia with 54,027, Mexico with 46,156, and the Philippines with 39,643 units. Cui said the continued growth in exports also reflects domestic market dynamics. The strong export performance in the first five months of the year indicates that automakers are further increasing investment in overseas markets in search of new growth opportunities.
