In August, the automobile export market was extremely lively, and Chinese automakers showed their prowess on the international stage. Not only did the export volume set a new record, but major automakers also had many highlights.
China’s auto exports hit a new high: According to data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, China’s auto exports reached 611,000 units in August, a 6.2% month-on-month increase and a 19.6% year-on-year increase.
Cumulative exports from January to August reached 4.292 million units, a year-on-year increase of 13.7%. New energy vehicle exports performed particularly well, with August exports reaching 224,000 units, a year-on-year increase of more than double. From January to August, new energy vehicle exports reached 1.532 million units, a significant year-on-year increase of 87.3%.
Chery Automobile achieved remarkable export results: In August, Chery exported 129,500 vehicles, a year-on-year increase of 30.9%, accounting for approximately 21% of China’s total auto exports and setting a new monthly export record for Chinese brands.
In addition, a Chery customer becomes an overseas owner every 21 seconds, setting a new record for the globalization of Chinese automobiles. From January to August, Chery Group exported a total of 798,800 vehicles, securing multiple industry firsts.
BYD’s exports are growing rapidly: In August, BYD exported 81,000 vehicles, a 1.5-fold year-on-year increase, the most significant growth rate among automakers.
BYD’s exports reached 634,000 vehicles from January to August, a 1.3-fold year-on-year increase, making it the second-largest Chinese vehicle exporter.
Horgos Port’s Auto Exports Reach a Record High: As China’s largest land-based auto export port, Horgos Port is experiencing rapid growth in auto exports.
From January to August 2025, Horgos Port exported 258,000 vehicles, an 8.5% year-on-year increase, setting a new record. Of these, 102,000 were electric vehicles, a 45.2% year-on-year increase.
Russia implements new policies for Chinese trucks: Effective midnight on August 1st, Russia implemented a new scrap tax on imported trucks over 20 tons, increasing the rate from 2.62 million rubles to 4.3 million rubles (approximately RMB 350,000). Russia also simultaneously suspended the sales licenses of four major Chinese truck brands, including Dongfeng and Foton, citing “defective brake systems, excessive noise levels, and non-compliant seat belts.”
This policy has had a significant impact on Chinese truck exports to the Russian market.
