China’s passenger vehicle export overview (Jan.-Jul. 2026): Russia leads with 524,428 units丨Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute

According to Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute, China’s passenger vehicle and new energy passenger vehicle exports continued to grow in the first seven months of 2026, with the global market footprint becoming increasingly diversified. Overall passenger vehicle exports showed clear regional divergence, with Russia and Brazil maintaining their leading positions and Europe further consolidating its role as a key market, while exports to Mexico and the UAE came under pressure. New energy passenger vehicle exports remained strong, with Brazil continuing to lead and Europe and Asia-Pacific emerging as major growth engines, driven by notable gains in markets such as Germany and Italy.

As global demand continues to evolve and Chinese automakers deepen their localization efforts overseas, China’s automotive exports are gradually shifting from scale-driven expansion toward a more diversified and targeted growth model.

Top 10 destinations by China-made passenger vehicle exports

Russia: 524,428 passenger vehicles (+143.4% YoY) from January to July 2026

Brazil: 408,393 passenger vehicles (+148.4% YoY) from January to July 2026

UK: 315,653 passenger vehicles (+94.8% YoY) from January to July 2026

Belgium: 266,050 passenger vehicles (+48.8% YoY) from January to July 2026

Australia: 261,182 passenger vehicles (+91.1% YoY) from January to July 2026

Mexico: 191,418 passenger vehicles (-24.8% YoY) from January to July 2026

Italy: 171,454 passenger vehicles (+129.7% YoY) from January to July 2026

UAE: 156,615 passenger vehicles (-38.7% YoY) from January to July 2026

Spain: 139,565 passenger vehicles (+64.6% YoY) from January to July 2026

Malaysia: 124,759 passenger vehicles (+39.0% YoY) from January to July 2026

According to Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute, China’s passenger vehicle exports continued to show clear regional divergence from January to July 2026. Russia remained the largest export market with 524,428 vehicles, up 143.4% YoY, followed by Brazil with 408,393 vehicles, up 148.4% YoY. As Brazil gradually implements policies related to vehicle imports, exports to the market may increasingly shift toward KD assembly and localized production.

Europe remained a key growth region. The UK, Belgium, Italy and Spain all ranked among the top 10 destinations, with Italy recording a 129.7% YoY increase. However, trade barriers, anti-subsidy measures and competition from local automakers remain key challenges, making brand strength and localization increasingly important.

Regional divergence was also evident elsewhere. Exports to Mexico fell 24.8% to 191,418 vehicles, while UAE exports declined 38.7% to 156,615 vehicles. Meanwhile, Australia and Malaysia continued to post solid growth, with exports rising 91.1% and 39.0%, respectively.

Top 10 destinations by China-made new energy passenger vehicle exports

Brazil: 298,211 new energy passenger vehicles (+154.6% YoY) from January to July 2026

Belgium: 255,681 new energy passenger vehicles (+48.3% YoY) from January to July 2026

UK: 231,198 new energy passenger vehicles (+106.8% YoY) from January to July 2026

Australia: 194,020 new energy passenger vehicles (+191.3% YoY) from January to July 2026

Thailand: 100,609 new energy passenger vehicles (+93.6% YoY) from January to July 2026

Germany: 94,130 new energy passenger vehicles (+181.9% YoY) from January to July 2026

Italy: 92,435 new energy passenger vehicles (+257.0% YoY) from January to July 2026

South Korea: 91,081 new energy passenger vehicles (+154.9% YoY) from January to July 2026

Spain: 87,644 new energy passenger vehicles (+81.5% YoY) from January to July 2026

UAE: 63,531 new energy passenger vehicles (+16.4% YoY) from January to July 2026

According to Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute, China’s new energy passenger vehicle exports maintained rapid growth from January to July 2026, with Europe and Asia-Pacific gaining greater importance. Brazil remained the largest export market with 298,211 vehicles, up 154.6% YoY, while Belgium and the UK ranked second and third with 255,681 and 231,198 vehicles, respectively. UK exports more than doubled YoY, while Belgium continued to serve as an important European logistics and import hub.

Europe remained the key growth engine, with Belgium, the UK, Germany, Italy and Spain all ranking among the top 10 destinations. Italy and Germany recorded particularly strong growth of 257.0% and 181.9%, respectively, highlighting rising acceptance of Chinese new energy vehicles in major European markets. Competition in Europe is also shifting from product exports toward brand building, channel development and localized operations.

The Asia-Pacific region also continued to expand rapidly. Australia ranked fourth with 194,020 vehicles, up 191.3% YoY, making it the largest new energy export market outside Europe. Exports to Thailand and South Korea reached 100,609 and 91,081 vehicles, up 93.6% and 154.9% YoY, respectively. In the Middle East, UAE exports rose 16.4% to 63,531 vehicles, although growth slowed noticeably from previous periods.