BRI countries become largest destination for China's car exports

Countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative have become the largest destination for China's automobile exports, with shipments to these markets continuing to grow rapidly amid the global expansion of Chinese automakers.

China's automobile exports to BRI countries reached $83.67 billion in value in the first half of 2026, up 30.8 percent year-on-year and accounting for 57.5 percent of China's total automobile export value, according to data compiled by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers based on figures from the General Administration of Customs.

During the January-June period, China exported 3.381 million complete vehicles to BRI markets, an increase of 48.1 percent from a year earlier. New energy vehicle exports reached 1.135 million units, rising 59.4 percent year-on-year.

The strong performance of BRI markets has made them a key driver of China's overseas auto expansion.

Export value to BRI countries reached $52.08 billion in the first four months of 2026, up 29.6 percent year-on-year, and climbed to $67 billion in the first five months, with growth accelerating further.

The rapid growth came as China's overall auto exports continued to hit new highs.

In the first half of 2026, China exported 5.31 million vehicles, up 53 percent year-on-year. Monthly exports exceeded 1 million units for the first time in June, reaching 1.037 million vehicles.

New energy vehicles have become a major force behind China's export growth. China exported 2.355 million NEVs in the first six months, more than double the figure from a year earlier, representing growth of 120 percent.

In June alone, NEV exports surged 160 percent year-on-year to 523,000 units, accounting for 50.4 percent of China's total vehicle exports that month. This means that one out of every two vehicles exported by China in June was powered by new energy.

China exported 7.098 million vehicles in 2025, up 21.1 percent year-on-year, maintaining its position as the world's largest automobile exporter for the third consecutive year.

Chinese automakers have accelerated their global expansion, with emerging markets, particularly BRI countries, becoming important growth areas.

Chery Group ranked first among Chinese automakers in export volume in the first half of 2026, exporting 943,800 vehicles, up 71.5 percent year-on-year. Overseas sales accounted for 73.2 percent of its total sales.

BYD reported overseas sales of around 789,400 vehicles during the period, nearly doubling year-on-year.

Its NEV exports reached 769,300 units, giving the company a 34.5 percent share of China's NEV export market and ranking first among Chinese automakers.

Other major automakers, including Geely, SAIC Motor, Changan Automobile and Great Wall Motor, also recorded strong overseas sales, with export shares reaching 42.4 percent, 41.8 percent, 39.7 percent and 57.4 percent, respectively.

In June, the top exporters included Chery with 190,000 vehicles, BYD with 175,000 units, SAIC Motor with 134,000 units, Geely with 126,000 units, Changan with 91,000 units and Great Wall Motor with 60,000 units.

When it comes to models, BYD's Song Plus, Seagull and Yuan Up ranked among the top 10 exported models in the first half of the year.

The Seagull recorded exports of 112,739 units, up 83.9 percent year-on-year, while Yuan Up exports reached 103,951 units, showing growing overseas demand for affordable electric vehicles.