From：Internet Info Agency 2026-09-08 09:31:52
In the first half of 2026, Brazil registered a total of 2,715,403 new vehicles, an increase of 16.01% year-over-year. During the same period, Brazil imported 410,800 vehicles, surging by 155% compared to the previous year. Of these imports, 299,800 were new energy vehicles (NEVs) from China, accounting for over 70% of Brazil’s total vehicle imports. As a result, Brazil has become the largest overseas market for Chinese NEV exports and the second-largest destination for overall Chinese automotive exports, trailing only Russia. Starting in July 2026, Brazil imposed a full 35% import tariff on completely built-up (CBU) electric and hybrid vehicles. Additionally, beginning January 2027, vehicles imported in CKD (Completely Knocked Down) or SKD (Semi Knocked Down) form will also be subject to the 35% tariff. In anticipation of these policy changes, Chinese automakers accelerated vehicle exports to Brazil in the first half of 2026 to build up channel inventory and expedited their localization strategies. To date, at least eight Chinese brands have advanced local manufacturing in Brazil through wholly owned plants or partnerships with local companies. Great Wall Motor’s Brazilian plant commenced operations in August 2025 with an annual capacity of 50,000 units and plans to construct a second facility. Changan Automobile’s joint venture plant with Brazil’s CAOA Group in Goiás state began production in late March 2026. Geely Auto has partnered with Renault Group on a new energy vehicle production project, and GAC Group plans to start construction of its vehicle assembly plant in the fourth quarter of 2026.
