According to Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute, China's passenger vehicle and new energy passenger vehicle exports maintained strong growth from January to May 2026, while regional differentiation became more evident. Brazil and Russia led passenger vehicle exports, together accounting for over 40% of the top 10 destinations, while European markets continued to grow steadily.NEV exports performed even stronger, with Brazil taking a clear lead and Belgium ranking second as a key European transit hub. Five European countries entered the top 10, with Italy and Germany recording triple-digit growth, highlighting the expanding global competitiveness of Chinese NEVs across both mature and emerging markets.Top 10 destinations by China-made passenger vehicle exportsBrazil: 372,199 passenger vehicles (+178.7% YoY) from January to May 2026Russia: 350,641 passenger vehicles (+139.8% YoY) from January to May 2026United Kingdom: 188,935 passenger vehicles (+82.0% YoY) from January to May 2026Australia: 158,230 passenger vehicles (+59.2% YoY) from January to May 2026Belgium: 156,364 passenger vehicles (+26.6% YoY) from January to May 2026Italy: 123,214 passenger vehicles (+140.7% YoY) from January to May 2026UAE: 119,179 passenger vehicles (-32.6% YoY) from January to May 2026Mexico: 113,642 passenger vehicles (-40.0% YoY) from January to May 2026Spain: 94,452 passenger vehicles (+56.0% YoY) from January to May 2026Malaysia: 78,599 passenger vehicles (+26.9% YoY) from January to May 2026From January to May 2026, China's passenger vehicle export landscape continued to evolve. Brazil remained the largest export destination with 372,199 units, up 178.7% YoY, further strengthening its leading position. Russia ranked second with 350,641 units, up 139.8%, reflecting continued strong demand for Chinese vehicles.By region, European markets recorded broad-based growth. The UK ranked third with 188,935 units, up 82.0%, while Belgium (156,364 units), Italy (123,214 units), and Spain (94,452 units) all achieved growth, with Italy surging 140.7%. The performance highlights Chinese brands' progress in NEV deployment and channel expansion in Europe. Including Russia, Europe now accounts for more than half of China's passenger vehicle exports, becoming the core export region. However, future growth remains subject to policy changes, trade barriers, and local competition.Latin America showed a clear divergence. Brazil ranked first with more than 370,000 units, up 178.7% YoY, driven partly by accelerated exports ahead of the tariff increase in July. In contrast, exports to Mexico fell 40.0%, impacted by higher tariffs effective from January 2026, tightening North American trade policies, and weaker market expectations. The gap highlights the significant impact of tariff policies, trade cycles, and local market conditions on Chinese automakers' performance across Latin America.The Middle East entered a period of adjustment, with exports to the UAE declining 32.6% to 119,179 units after previous rapid growth. In the Asia-Pacific region, Australia rose 59.2% to 158,230 units, ranking fourth, while Malaysia increased 26.9% to 78,599 units. Overall, China's passenger vehicle exports are shifting from reliance on a few high-growth markets toward a more diversified global landscape, with competition increasingly focused on product competitiveness and brand recognition rather than pure volume expansion.Top 10 destinations by China-made new energy passenger vehicle exportsBrazil: 283,182 NEV passenger vehicles (+175.6% YoY) from January to May 2026Belgium: 150,110 NEV passenger vehicles (+25.8% YoY) from January to May 2026United Kingdom: 129,807 NEV passenger vehicles (+81.4% YoY) from January to May 2026Australia: 111,406 NEV passenger vehicles (+168.2% YoY) from January to May 2026Italy: 67,043 NEV passenger vehicles (+365.3% YoY) from January to May 2026Germany: 65,235 NEV passenger vehicles (+211.2% YoY) from January to May 2026Thailand: 62,316 NEV passenger vehicles (+62.8% YoY) from January to May 2026South Korea: 60,488 NEV passenger vehicles (+170.3% YoY) from January to May 2026Spain: 56,953 NEV passenger vehicles (+74.9% YoY) from January to May 2026United Arab Emirates: 53,135 NEV passenger vehicles (+45.7% YoY) from January to May 2026From January to May 2026, China's new energy passenger vehicle (NEV) export landscape continued to shift. Brazil remained the largest destination with 283,182 units, up 175.6% year on year, further expanding its lead, with NEVs becoming the dominant force in China's vehicle exports to the market. Belgium ranked second with 150,110 units, up 25.8%, highlighting its role as a key European transit hub for Chinese NEVs. The UK ranked third with 129,807 units, up 81.4%, while Australia followed with 111,406 units, surging 168.2% as EV demand in the Oceania market accelerated.Europe recorded broad-based growth, with Italy, Germany, and Spain all achieving strong gains. Italy reached 67,043 units, up 365.3%, while Germany rose 211.2% to 65,235 units and Spain increased 74.9% to 56,953 units. The rapid growth in Italy and Germany indicates that Chinese NEVs are gaining ground in traditional automotive powerhouses, supported by improving product competitiveness and brand recognition. However, future expansion in Europe will depend increasingly on deeper integration into local supply chains amid uncertainties from carbon tariffs and anti-subsidy measures.Asia also showed broad-based growth. Thailand reached 62,316 units, up 62.8% YoY, with Chinese brands deepening their presence through localized production in the region's EV hub. South Korea entered the top 10 for the first time, with exports rising 170.3% to 60,488 units, highlighting the growing competitiveness of Chinese NEVs in East Asia. In the Middle East, the UAE recorded 53,135 units, up 45.7%, with NEVs emerging as a new growth driver in the market.Overall, China's NEV exports have entered a new stage, expanding from emerging markets into traditional automotive powerhouses. Growth momentum is shifting from price advantages toward deeper competition in technology capabilities and brand value. Going forward, maintaining sustainable growth amid rising trade barriers and localization requirements will be a key challenge for Chinese NEV makers.