Has China’s automobile exports truly begun, now that they have surpassed 6 million units?

Core data

In 2025, China’s automobile exports officially surpassed 6 million units, a year-on-year increase of 38%, making it the world’s largest automobile exporter, surpassing Japan.

This milestone event marks the true beginning of China’s automotive globalization.

Export data breakdown

Classified by brand

Classified by vehicle type

Classified by region

Why China?

1. Supply Chain Advantages: China boasts the world’s most complete new energy vehicle supply chain,

from batteries and motors to electronic controls, with a localization rate exceeding 90% and globally leading cost control capabilities. Battery costs: 35% lower than in Europe; labor costs: 50% lower than in Japan; economies of scale: annual production capacity of up to 500,000 vehicles per model.

2. Technological Breakthroughs: Blade Battery Technology

BYD’s Shenxing Battery; CATL’s 5C Ultra-Fast Charging Technology in Mass Production; Huawei Qiankun ADS for Intelligent Driving; XPeng XNGP; Li Auto AD Max Intelligent Cockpit; Qualcomm 8295 Chip Popularization; HarmonyOS Cockpit Going Global; Voice Interaction with Multilingual Support

Product competitiveness enhancement

4. Policy Support

Export tax rebate policy continues; shipping subsidies reduce logistics costs; overseas factory construction policies support bilateral trade agreements and facilitate major market in-depth analysis. European Market: High-end breakthrough; Export volume: 1.8 million units (+52%); Successful Case: BYD ATTO 3; NIO ET7: 2025 Europe’s best-selling Chinese electric vehicle; Entering the high-end markets of Germany and the Netherlands; XPeng G9: Sales exceeding 10,000 units in Norway and Sweden; Challenging EU anti-subsidy investigation; Carbon tariff policy; Localized production requirements; Southeast Asian Market: Rapid growth; Export volume: 1.2 million units (+65%); Advantages: Close geographical location, low logistics costs; RCEP agreement tariff preferences; Mature right-hand drive vehicle compatibility; Main Brands: BYD: Factory built in Thailand, localized production; Great Wall Motors: Acquired Rayong factory; Wuling: Number one in sales in Indonesia; Russian Market: Filling the gap; Export volume: 950,000 units (+35%); Background: European and American brands withdraw from the Russian market; Chinese brands rapidly fill the gap; Fuel vehicles remain the mainstay; Main Brands: Chery: Number one in sales in Russia; Chinese Brands: Haval: 35% market share in SUVs; Geely: Outstanding performance in the sedan market.