China's Auto Exports Surge 53% in H1, with Russia and Brazil as Top Markets

From January to June 2024, China exported a total of 5.31 million vehicles, an increase of 53% year-on-year. Russia ranked first as the top export destination with 448,157 units, followed closely by Brazil with 410,825 units, making it the second-largest export market. Exports to Russia surged by 148% year-on-year, reflecting stabilized demand in that market and a rebound in Chinese exports. Brazil also stood out: during the same period, China exported 299,803 new energy vehicles (NEVs) to Brazil, up 158% year-on-year, propelling Brazil to become China’s largest overseas market for NEVs. Localized production by Chinese automakers in Brazil has further supported this export growth. Previously, in 2025, Mexico had been China's top automotive export destination with 625,200 units shipped. However, after Mexico implemented new tariff policies in 2026, exports there dropped to 210,155 units, with year-on-year growth slowing to just 13%, causing its ranking to fall to sixth place. Notably, in June 2024 alone, year-on-year export growth exceeded 100% for Belgium, the UK, Australia, the Philippines, and Thailand. In contrast, Brazil saw only a 2% year-on-year increase in exports that month, suggesting potential shifts in the final annual rankings.