According to the latest data from the Passenger Car Association, China exported 5.71 million vehicles from January to September this year, a 21% year-on-year increase. September saw a particularly strong performance, with exports reaching 763,000 units, up 26% compared to the same period last year.

New energy vehicles (NEVs) were a standout segment, with cumulative exports reaching 2.32 million units in the first three quarters, marking a 52% year-on-year growth. In September alone, NEV exports hit 300,000 units, surging 66% year-on-year. Cui Dongshu, Secretary-General of the association, highlighted that the improved competitiveness of Chinese automotive products remains the key driver behind this export growth.

In terms of market structure, China's auto exports have shifted from relying heavily on the Russian market last year towards a more diversified regional footprint. While Russia was a major source of export growth in previous years, from January to September this year, Mexico became the top destination with 411,000 units, followed by the UAE with 368,000 units. Russia ranked third with 358,000 units.

Simultaneously, several emerging markets saw substantial increases in imports. Countries including the UAE, Australia, the Philippines, the UK, and Algeria recorded import growth exceeding 49%, with Algeria's figures soaring by 275%. In contrast, the Russian market experienced a significant decline, with imports dropping by 492,000 units, a decrease of 58%.

Regionally, Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia have become the three main markets for Chinese electric vehicle exports. Belgium and the UK are the leading importers within Europe, with NEV imports reaching 224,000 and 153,000 units, respectively, in the first three quarters. In the Middle East, the UAE imported 92,800 units, a 70% increase, with 20,900 units imported in September alone, showing notable growth. In Southeast Asia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia were among the top importers, with the Philippines importing 153,400 units cumulatively.

Cui Dongshu noted that pure electric vehicle exports still primarily rely on the EU market, while Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern markets are more volatile. Due to slowing growth in overseas NEV markets and a trend among Chinese pure electric models towards premium and larger segments—coupled with a lack of high-quality small electric vehicles—pure electric exports face certain pressures.

However, plug-in hybrid and hybrid models are emerging as new growth drivers, demonstrating the adaptability of China's new energy vehicle technology pathways to diverse markets. From January to September, China exported 690,000 plug-in hybrid vehicles, a dramatic increase of 208% year-on-year, driven largely by demand in the EU, Australia, and Turkey.

On pricing, the average export price of Chinese vehicles has seen a slight decline. The average price in 2025 was $17,000, lower than the $19,000 in 2023 and $18,000 in 2024. Analysis suggests this change is linked to Tesla's decreased share in China's exports and the growing influence of Chinese brands in the mid- to low-end segments.

Despite challenges such as the EU's additional tariffs and market fluctuations, China's electric vehicle exports continue to show strong potential. Yin Tongyue, Chairman of Chery Automobile, pointed out that some brands have faced challenges in their overseas expansion, including difficulties in adaptation, quality control issues, and insufficient local supporting services, which have impacted the overall image of Chinese brands. He emphasized that globalization should focus on sustainability, building a 'safe, reliable, and high-end' brand image through affordable pricing, trustworthy quality, and sustainable development.

Cui Dongshu stated that China's auto exports are currently in a phase of rapid growth and still possess significant potential for future development, provided the international environment remains stable.