China Auto Exports Hit 4.059 Million Units in H1 2026, Up 63% YoY

In the first half of 2026, China’s auto exports demonstrated robust growth. According to data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), vehicle exports from January to June reached 4.059 million units, surging 63% year-on-year, with export value totaling USD 72.8 billion. In May alone, exports hit 930,000 units, up 68.7% year-on-year, pushing the total for the first half close to 5 million units. Multiple automakers posted outstanding export results. Chery exported 181,900 vehicles in May, a 80.5% year-on-year increase, setting a new record for China’s single-month auto exports. Its cumulative exports for the first five months reached 752,800 units, accounting for 68.38% of its total sales, with overseas sales making up 73.4% of its May volume—driven notably by strong growth in Europe. BYD reported overseas sales of 160,177 units in May, up 80.7% year-on-year, marking another monthly record; the company has since raised its full-year export target. SAIC Motor Passenger Vehicle exported 120,000 units in May, with its MG brand performing exceptionally well in Europe. Geely’s exports totaled 371,000 units in the first five months, soaring 158% year-on-year. Great Wall exported 50,700 vehicles in May, up 46.8% year-on-year, with its monthly export volume exceeding domestic sales for the first time. Among newer EV makers, Leapmotor and XPeng also delivered solid export performances. In response to the European Union’s proposed anti-subsidy tariffs, several Chinese automakers are accelerating their push toward localized overseas production. BYD, SAIC’s MG, Geely, Chery, and Leapmotor have already established manufacturing capacity abroad. Additionally, a growing trend is emerging of developing market-specific models—for example, BYD plans to introduce its SHARK pickup truck to the domestic market in 2026, while the Dolphin G DM-i currently has no plans for local production in China.