Cui Dongshu: In January-August, China's automobile exports reached 4.94 million vehicles, the year-on-year trend was generally strong

Zhitongcaijing · 09/23/2025 12:25

The Zhitong Finance App learned that in August 2025, Cui Dongshu published an article stating that in August 2025, China achieved exports of 764,000 vehicles, an increase of 25% over the previous year and an increase of 12% over the previous month; in January-August, China exported 4.94 million vehicles, an increase of 21% compared to January-August 2024, and the overall trend was strong compared to the previous year. The main drivers this year are still improving the competitiveness of Chinese products and a slight increase in the global southern markets.

The top 10 countries of China's total automobile exports in August 2025: Russia 58,707, UAE 46,616, Mexico 38,994, Australia 31,020, United Kingdom 28,821, Belgium 28,289, Saudi Arabia 2,8012, Philippines 26025, Algeria 22,265, Kazakhstan 2,064. Among them, the top five that increased over the same period were: Australia 21,468, Algeria, 21,386, the United Arab Emirates 18069, the United Kingdom 16018, and the Philippines 11,430 cars.

The top 10 countries with cumulative total vehicle exports in 2025: Mexico 36,2103, UAE 3,20096, Russia 288,582, Belgium 21,1923, Australia 198,903, Saudi Arabia 197955, Britain 197023, Brazil 19,3844, the Philippines 17,6571, Kazakhstan 130,204. Among them, the top five that increased over the same period were: the United Arab Emirates 117178, Australia 79,881, the Philippines 71,889, and Kazakhstan 61,180,801 , 58,928 British vehicles.

The top 10 countries with total NEV exports in August 2025: Belgium 27,247, the Philippines 21,957, the United Kingdom 19,355, South Korea 15,500, the United Arab Emirates 15,424, Australia 15017, Germany 14,289, India 12,444, Thailand 11,308, and Spain 10,545. Among them, the top five that increased over the same period were: the United Kingdom 13,808, the Philippines 12,612, South Korea 12016, Australia 11825, and the UAE 10001.

The top 10 countries with total NEV exports from January to August 2025: Belgium 202663, Philippines 137,374, UK 13,3744, Brazil 12,9946, Mexico 125651, Australia 99750, Thailand 84806, UAE 71925, Turkey 67805, India 66,213. Among them, the top five that increased over the same period were: the Philippines 67,405, Mexico 64069, Australia 47,971, and Turkey 44,738 cars.

China's NEV export performance from January to August 2025 was better than expected. Mainly, plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicles replaced pure electric vehicles as a new growth point for export growth. In particular, plug-in pickup trucks showed strong export performance and became the highlight of commercial vehicle NEV exports. China's NEV exports are showing high quality development to the Middle East and developed markets, mainly to Western Europe and Asia.

I. Overall trend of China's automobile exports

1. Trends in automobile exports over the years

China's automobile exports finally broke through the million-level platform period in 2021 after many years. After a sharp decline due to the downturn in the world economy in 2013-2016, the export growth rate gradually improved steadily in 2017-2020, and the annual export volume remained at around 1 million vehicles. Exports in 2020 reached 1.08 million vehicles, a year-on-year decrease of 13%, and then entered a period of high growth since 2021.

It increased by 102% in 2021, more than 50% in 2023-2023, and around 20% in 2024-2025. From January to August 2025, China's automobile exports reached 4.94 million vehicles, and the export growth rate was 21%. Recently, China's automobile exports have grown rapidly. In the future, as long as there is a stable international market environment, it is expected that there will still be huge room for the development of Chinese automobile exports.

From January to August 2025, China achieved exports of 4.94 million vehicles, a growth rate of 21% compared with January-August 2024. In August, China achieved exports of 764,000 vehicles, up 25% year on year and 12% month on month. The overall trend is strong. The main drivers this year are still improving the competitiveness of Chinese products and a slight increase in the global southern markets.

2. Monthly trend of vehicle exports

Judging from monthly trends, China's automobile exports in recent years are still showing seasonal characteristics, showing the contrast between rising summer and domestic trends.

The export growth rate was relatively strong in January 2025. Due to the interference of Trump's imposition of tariffs, it was sluggish in February-April, and growth resumed in May-August. Due to market fragmentation, the growth rate of China's automobile exports is less affected by the external environment.

3. Structural characteristics of automobile exports

Until 2020, China's automobile exports remained at the level of one million. Subsequently, it continued to grow rapidly to 6.41 million vehicles in 2024. Passenger car exports continued to strengthen, and truck and bus exports also continued to grow well.

In January-August of this year, the growth rate of all types of customs models diverged, and the growth rate of trucks and buses was better than 2024. In particular, truck exports increased 25% and bus exports increased 29%. Compared with the slump in domestic fuel trucks, light truck and medium truck exports have been relatively good recently, and pickup truck exports have skyrocketed.

In terms of structure, the share of passenger car exports continued to rise to 85% in 2023, and was relatively stable thereafter. The share of exports of trucks and buses continued to fall to a low level. Since passenger cars are the focus of trade, the proportion of trucks and buses exported is still slightly higher than that of domestic commercial vehicles.

The performance of several major models within passenger cars was more balanced. The improvement in performance in 2025 was the export of unlisted passenger cars. Although the decline in Tesla exports had a big impact, autonomous small and micro electric vehicles grew better. In 2025, the proportion of buses with 9 seats or less was 35%, of which in August it reached 35%.

Truck performance was average in August. Among them, pickup truck growth slowed in August, and heavy truck export performance declined. Among buses, large and medium-sized buses are average, and light bus exports are slightly stronger.

4. Structural characteristics of export dynamics

The export growth rate of passenger cars declined significantly in 2025. Among them, gasoline vehicle exports all grew at a low rate, and continued to grow negatively in August. The export of hybrid passenger cars was strong this year, with plug-in exports growing the strongest. Truck and bus exports have been stable this year, and fluctuations in passenger car exports to Russia and Europe are the core volatile variables.

From January to August 2025, the share of pure electric passenger cars picked up, and exports of gasoline passenger cars, diesel trucks, and gasoline buses dropped significantly. Exports of plug-in hybrid passenger cars, plug-in hybrid pickups, and hybrid passenger cars grew relatively well in August.

II. The pattern of the automobile export market

1. Domestic regional characteristics of export manufacturers

In 2024, the leading position of automobile exports from Shanghai was replaced by Anhui, and in 2025, Anhui will maintain the number one export position. The importance of Shanghai's exports to China is extremely obvious. From January to August 2025, Anhui exported 670,000 vehicles. This is mainly due to the relatively excellent local enterprises in Anhui, the high export grade of Shanghai companies, and the two companies SAIC Passenger Car and Tesla, which have recently declined in average export prices.

Anhui's export performance has been relatively strong in the past two years. Mainly, the export performance of Chery (09973) and Jianghuai (600418.SH) is relatively strong, and Anhui's export diversification is good. The contribution of automobile exports from Jiangsu and Henan increased significantly in 2025.

2. Export area characteristics

The overall performance of China's automobile exports is strong. Among them, exports to the Middle East, Africa, and Oceania have performed relatively well.

China's automobile exports in the early stages were relatively high in Central and South America, and the performance was strong in other regions of Asia, such as Southeast Asia and South Asia. Currently, it is gradually shifting to the characteristics of relatively strong performance in Central and South America and Europe. Especially recently, the Middle East, Central and South America have all performed relatively well compared to last year.

3. Analysis of export subregion segmentation trends

Exports in 2025 are the result of a sharp increase in hybrid and hybrid engines, as well as the result of continuing to explore markets such as Australia and the European Union.

In terms of sales volume, exports in 2017-2022 showed a gradual upward trend, mainly due to European contributions. After 2024, the Russian market grew significantly and became the core growth. Russia's share declined in 2025, and exports from the European Union, Latin America, and the Middle East increased.

Recently, there will be a sharp decline in the Russian market, while the market for the developed North American market will decline slightly, and the market performance of developed countries will be divided. The performance of South America's new energy exports fluctuated greatly. Demand for exports from poor and backward parts of the world is unstable. China's automobile competition continues to rise and will continue to grow in the future.

4. Analysis of vehicle export trends by country

The average export price was 16,000 US dollars in 2021; the average price of automobile exports was 18,000 US dollars in 2022; it rose to 19,000 US dollars in 2023, showing continuous upward characteristics; the average export price was 18,000 US dollars in 2024; 17,000 US dollars in 2025. The average export price continues to fall, and the decline in Tesla's share of exports has led to a decline in the average price of bicycles.

The Russian market changed dramatically in the early stages, and other foreign investors withdrew, so China's exports to Russia have also been high since 2023. In 2024, the Russian performance of Chinese car companies was still strong, and this year they went back to full competition. Last year, more cars were exported to Belgium. Relations with Europe have improved this year, and export performance has also improved.

The recent strong performance of the Mexican market was affected by European and American tax increases in August. Auto markets in Chile, Peru, Thailand, etc. plummeted earlier, but have recovered this year. Asia is still a better market for Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

5. Monthly trend of increase or decrease in vehicle exports

6. Analysis of changes in major exporting countries over the years

The results of overseas bases for automobile exports in the early stages were not ideal, and the main market fluctuated greatly. The main markets for automobile exports in 2023-2024 come from countries such as Russia, Mexico, Belgium, Australia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom, with strong trends in the European and American markets. Recently, the performance of relatively developed countries such as Australia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom has improved.

The structure of automobile exports changed from January to August 2025, Mexico rose to the top export position, and the UAE's exports increased. Exports to Russia recovered to first place in August. Australia's exports were relatively good, while Brazil's exports declined year on year.

7. Analysis of changes in exports to Russia

Due to the recent withdrawal of automobile companies from other countries from Russia, Chinese car companies quickly guaranteed Russia's vehicle supply demand in 2023. Early Chinese car companies should be safe in Russia for the time being.

Russia's import rules are continuously adjusted according to supply and demand. Russian car sales in 2024 are already at the highest level in recent years, so a decline in 2025 is inevitable. Since 2024, China's exports of new energy vehicles to Russia have fluctuated sharply. In January-August of this year, Russian domestic demand gradually stabilized, and Chinese automobile exports are gradually picking up.

Since 2023, Russia has suddenly become the largest market for Chinese automobile exports. This is another dramatic change in Chinese automobile exports after a lapse of 15 years. China's own brands entered the Russian market in 2008 and performed well, but with Russia's policy of imposing huge tariffs on Chinese cars, Chinese car companies left Russia on a large scale back then. The decline in the first half of this year was somewhat similar to 2009, but there are improvements now.

III. Export trends of new energy vehicles

1. Characteristics of NEV exports over the years

With the transformation of China's domestic NEV market from subsidy-driven to market-driven, China's NEV market competitiveness has increased dramatically. China's NEV exports have exploded since 2021, then entered a continuous high growth range. Despite being disrupted by the EU's NEV export policy in 2024, China's NEV exports still reached 201 million units in 2024, an increase of 16% over the previous year. From January to August 2025, 2.02 million new energy vehicles were exported, an increase of 51%, which is a good performance.

NEV exports surged in January this year, sluggish in February-March, and continued to be historically high in April-August, laying the foundation for continued growth in 2025.

After continuous high growth, the cumulative export volume of new energy vehicles in 2024 was 201 million units, an increase of 16% over the previous year.

The performance of China's NEV exports of 315,000 units in August 2025, an increase of 83% was also very good; from January to August 2025, NEV exports were 2.02 million units, up 51% year on year, and the growth rate was much higher than the 24% growth rate in January-August 2024.

2. Changes in the structure of automobile exports

In August 2025, China's exports of 100,000 plug-in vehicles increased by 304%, accounting for 10% of automobile exports, up 8 percentage points from the share of plug-in hybrid exports in August 2024. In August 2025, China's exports of 220,000 pure electric vehicles increased 48%, accounting for 31% of automobile exports, up 3 percentage points from August 2024.

The export volume of plug-in vehicles from January to August 2025 was 590,000 units, up 198% year on year. The growth rate was higher than the growth rate from January to August 2024, accounting for 12% of automobile exports, up 7 percentage points from January to August 2024.

3. Characteristics of the export structure of new energy vehicles

Before 2019, exports of new energy vehicles were large, but passenger cars were mainly micro low-speed electric vehicles, and the actual number of mainstream new energy models was small. Recently, there has been an improvement in the export structure and quantity performance of new energy passenger vehicles.

In 2025, 70% pure electric vehicles are electric vehicle products from mainstream manufacturers. There is also a good market for low-speed mini electric vehicles.

From January to August 2025, 2.03 million NEVs were exported, an increase of 52% over the previous year; of these, NEV passenger vehicle exports accounted for 95% of total NEV exports and 5% for commercial vehicles. Recently, exports of new energy buses and special vehicles have recovered slightly, but due to weak demand for products, there is little potential for short-term overseas demand.

4. Analysis of regional changes in new energy exports

As Tesla entered China, China's automobile export pattern changed. In previous years, Shanghai ranked first for a long time. With the rise of domestic cars, autonomy has become the core of new energy exports. Shanghai's exports have fluctuated sharply recently, and Jiangsu's new energy exports performed well in August.

Regions with strong NEV exports in 2025 include Jiangsu, Shanghai, Zhejiang, and Anhui. Average export prices from Tianjin, Beijing, etc. are low; models without VIN codes should be the main ones.

5. National characteristics of NEV passenger vehicle exports over the years

In 2025, the year-on-year growth of NEV exports diverged. Exports of new energy vehicles are mainly in Europe and Asia. Among them, the Asian market also has good low-end demand.

The main markets for NEV exports have generally shown good growth this year; only individual markets in Southeast Asia showed poor growth performance. The trend of new energy vehicles in the Indonesian market is also strong, forming a new energy growth point in Southeast Asia.

6. Analysis of changes in NEV exports in 2025

In 2025, exports to Southeast Asia such as Brazil, Belgium, and the Philippines are some of the main directions. Recently, exports to markets such as Brazil, Russia, and Canada have been weak. Markets such as Mexico and the Philippines performed well.

7. Analysis of changes in motor vehicle exports in 2025

In 2024, China exported 3.48 million gasoline models, an increase of 22%; from January to August 2025, China exported 2.12 million units of gasoline vehicles, a decrease of 3%. The fuel vehicle markets in Russia, the United States, Japan, and South Korea have declined dramatically this year. Other markets are generally good. In particular, there are many fuel vehicle exports in markets such as Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, and the characteristics of joint venture exports and resale are obvious.

Diesel vehicle exports are better than gasoline vehicles this year, achieving strong growth in diesel vehicles in Africa, Central and South America, and Southeast Asia.

The strong increase in hybrid models in the Middle East and Europe this year reflects the overall increase in the competitiveness of passenger cars in China. Hybrids performed well in the former Soviet Union.

8. Analysis of changes in pure electric vehicle exports in 2025

In 2024, China exported 1.68 million pure electric models, an increase of 6%; from January to August 2025, China exported 1.44 million units of pure electric vehicles, an increase of 27%, compared with the export growth rate in 2024.

Currently, the EU market for pure electricity is still the absolute main market, and demand in markets such as Southeast Asia and the Middle East fluctuates relatively greatly. In particular, as the development of new energy sources is slowing down, and China's pure electric vehicles pursue high end, and large-scale characteristics are obvious, small electric vehicles lack good products, and the export pressure for pure electric vehicles is high.

From January to August 2025, China exported 590,000 hybrid vehicles, an increase of 198%, including 97,000 plug-in vehicles in August, an increase of 304%. Apart from the former Soviet Union, the US, Canada, and other regions where demand for mixed mixing declined rapidly, China's mixed performance in other regions was outstanding. Meanwhile, demand for hybrid models from China in the European Union has increased, and hybrid exports from Turkey and the Middle East have become a new highlight of growth.

IV. Export trends by passenger car category

1. Export of passenger cars by emission

Passenger car exports are mainly in the 1 liter to 1.5 liter range. This is also a comprehensive advantage of China's autonomous passenger car products. The 1.5-2.5-liter models declined sharply in 2025. Exports of 1.5-2 liter models grew rapidly in the early stages, indicating that Russia and others are more in demand for high-end, high-priced SUV models from China, but after the Russian market was saturated, the pressure on the high-end was even greater.

However, with the product grade differentiation of electric vehicle models, exports of high-end electric vehicles improved greatly, while entry-level plug-in hybrid exports grew better.

2. Structural characteristics of passenger vehicle exports

China's largest fuel passenger vehicle exports in August 2025 were Russia 53,183, Mexico 24,446, Saudi Arabia 23,418, Algeria 20,771, UAE 19628, Kazakhstan 14410, Kyrgyzstan 11220, Egypt 10,815, Australia 9664, and Malaysia 8837. The top five that increased over the same period were: Algeria 20,453, Egypt 7142, Saudi Arabia 6927, Australia 5695, Kazakhstan 5516 cars.

China's largest fuel passenger vehicle exports from January to August 2025 were Russia 250,760, Mexico 176,752, UAE 16,4739, Saudi Arabia 156,500, Kazakhstan 95,402, Malaysia 73995, Australia 71,402, Algeria 69,311, Belarus 53,518, and Chile 51,307. Among them, the top five that increased this year over the same period last year were: Algeria 54,609 units, UAE 46717 units, Kazakhstan 44871 units, Saudi Arabia 30,890, Australia 26,227.

China's exports of pure electric passenger vehicles in August 2025 were mainly 20,508 in the Philippines, 18,481 in Belgium, 15,267 in South Korea, 14,717 in the UK, 12340 in India, 10,726 in Australia, 10676 in Thailand, 9672 in Germany, 6,344 in Bangladesh, and 5793 in Spain. Among them, the top five that increased over the same period were: Korea 11988, the Philippines 11,456, the United Kingdom, 10,811 vehicles, Australia 8,795, and Germany 5,452.

From January to August 2025, China's exports of pure electric passenger vehicles were mainly Belgium 14,4648, the Philippines 11,7060, the United Kingdom 88,362, Thailand 80524, India 65,870, Australia 6,3812, Mexico 6,3479, Indonesia, 54,774, South Korea, and 50,389. Among them, the top five that increased this year over the same period last year were: the Philippines 48,715, Turkey 3,3648, Mexico 30296, South Korea 19824, and Indonesia 19471 vehicles.

In August 2025, the exports of plug-in hybrid passenger vehicles were mainly 11025 in the UAE, 8440 in Belgium, 7,398 in Israel, 6318 in Azerbaijan, 4684 in Italy, 4679 in Spain, 4,599 in Germany, 4509 in the UK, 4230 in Mexico, and 3,436 in Australia. Among them, the top five that increased over the same period were: the UAE 10,297, Belgium 7,808, Israel 7,398, Azerbaijan, and 4,280 Italian vehicles.

From January to August 2025, the exports of hybrid passenger cars were mainly 83,383 in Brazil, 55,438 in Mexico, 54669 in Belgium, 42,680 in the UK, 39,666 in Israel, 35,137 in the UAE, 28,788 in Spain, 17,518 in Italy, 16,984 in Turkey, and 16,980 in Australia. Among them, the top five that increased this year over the same period last year were: Belgium 47795, Israel 39561, the United Kingdom 33,273, the United Arab Emirates 320,788, and Mexico 31235.

In August 2025, exports of ordinary hybrids were mainly 9461 to the UAE, 6581 to the United Kingdom, 4197 to Spain, 3,382, Israel, 3243, Australia, 2,463, the Netherlands, 2106, France, and 1,236. Among them, the top five that increased in the current period over the same period were: the UK 4669, the UAE 4548, Israel 3234, Italy 3155, and the Netherlands 2,430.

From January to August 2025, exports of ordinary hybrids were mainly 65,491 to the United Arab Emirates, 31,856 to Spain, 20,438, Italy, 20,202, Brazil, 1,1284, Australia, 1,1284, France, 10,946, Mexico, 9622, Israel, and 8028. Among them, the top five that increased this year over the same period last year were: the United Arab Emirates 38316, Italy 14,597, the United Kingdom 13,993, Spain 13018, and Israel 9603.

5. Export trends by truck category

1. Truck exports

Export growth in the truck market has not been strong in recent years. The share of the automobile export market has continued to shrink slightly, but in 2025, the performance was strong due to pure electric and plug-in hybrid performance.

The main force in the truck market is gasoline and diesel trucks under 5 tons. Overall, there is also strong demand for heavy diesel trucks over 20 tons.

2. Characteristics of changes in the truck export market

The overall performance of the top few truck export markets was stable. In August 2025, the main export markets were Vietnam with 5,258 vehicles, Mexico 3724, Argentina 3,372, Ecuador 3,328, Australia 3230, Nigeria 3136, Philippines 2,421, Chile 2,341, Saudi Arabia 2194, and South Africa 2192. Among them, the top five that increased over the same period were: Argentina 3267, Vietnam 2701, Australia 2,232, Ecuador, and 2015 Nigeria.

From January to August 2025, the main export markets were Mexico 4,6568, Vietnam 4,3644, Chile 23,520, Saudi Arabia 23,150, 18,387, Ecuador, 17,325, Australia 15,642, Nigeria 15,471, South Africa, and 14,793 Peru. Among them, the top five that increased this year over the same period last year were: Vietnam 19878, Argentina 13,872, Ecuador 9035, Nigeria, 188,888, and Guinea 6,189.

The mixed truck export market has recently surged. This is mainly due to the sharp increase in the passenger car attributes of pickup trucks, creating a superior hybrid scenario convenience and cost advantage in overseas markets.

Currently, 848 vehicles were exported to Australia, 431 to South Africa, 430 from Chile, 347 from Indonesia, 260 from Turkey, 240 from Thailand, 228 from Brazil, 225 from Belgium, 202 from Uruguay, and 190 from Malaysia. Among them, the top five vehicles that increased over the same period were: Australia 785, South Africa 424, Chile 367, Indonesia, and 189 Malaysia.

Currently, the total number of exports in January-August is 18,859 to Australia, 6570 to Mexico, 5,468 to the Philippines, 4646 to Uzbekistan, 3125 from Belgium, 2,665 from Russia, 2,627 from the US, 2505 from Germany, 2,180 from the UK, and 1948 from Thailand. Among them, the top five that increased this year over the same period last year are: Australia 18,240, Philippines 5026, Uzbekistan 4581, Russia, and 2,809 Mexico.

6. Export trends by passenger car category

1. Overall bus exports

Recently, world demand for buses has declined to a certain extent, causing China's bus exports to continue to shrink in the previous two years, from 64,000 vehicles in 2019 to 48,000 units in 2022.

World demand has recovered since 2023, with China reaching 82,000 buses for the full year of 2024, an increase of 16%.

The performance of pure electric bus exports increased by 97% from January to August 2025. Diesel bus exports increased significantly, and gasoline light passenger exports were strong.

2. Characteristics of changes in the bus export market

The main market for China's bus exports is scattered, mainly from underdeveloped countries. The market is complex, making it difficult to continue exporting in an orderly manner.

The main exports in August this year were 909 vehicles from Egypt, 842 from Peru, 445 from Vietnam, 423 from Mexico, 360 Saudi Arabia, 335 vehicles from the United Arab Emirates, 291 vehicles from Chile, 275 from Burkina Faso, 269 from Algeria, and 255 from Turkmenistan. Among them, the top five vehicles with increases over the same period were: Egypt 591, Peru 474, Burkina Faso 271, Mexico 261, and Turkmenistan 255.

The export market for new energy buses is small, and the data fluctuates greatly. The main export forces in August this year were: 291 in Pakistan, 133 in the UK, 101 in Belgium, 97 in Mexico, 68 in South Korea, 53 in the Netherlands, 52 in Romania, 51 in the Philippines, 49 in Italy, and 46 in Israel. Among them, the top five that increased over the same period were: 234 in Pakistan, 99 in Belgium, 87 in the Philippines, and 41 in South Africa.