China achieved a major milestone in June 2026, with monthly vehicle exports surpassing one million units for the first time. According to data released by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers on July 9, exports totaled 1.037 million vehicles in June, up 11.6% from May and 75.1% compared with June 2025. This performance brought total exports for the first half of 2026 to 5.096 million units, a 65.3% increase year over year.
At the beginning of 2026, CAAM projected full-year exports of 7.4 million units, reflecting moderate growth expectations. The stronger-than-anticipated export sector has provided critical support amid double-digit declines in domestic sales. After overtaking Germany and Japan to become the world’s largest auto exporter, China’s annual export volume rose from 4.91 million in 2023 to 7.1 million in 2025. Although growth moderated in recent years, the export rebound in 2026 saw monthly year-on-year gains climb from 45% in January to 75% in June.
New energy vehicles (NEVs) played a key role in this surge. In June, NEV exports reached 523,000 units—a 160% increase over the previous year—and for the first time accounted for more than half of all Chinese vehicle exports. In the first half of 2026, NEV shipments totaled 2.355 million units, or 46.2% of total exports, up 120% year over year.
Cui Dongshu, secretary-general of the China Passenger Car Association, cited three main factors behind the strong performance. On the supply side, China’s complete NEV supply chain and competitive cost structure for batteries, motors, and electronic controls have enabled manufacturers to offer advanced technologies—such as 800V fast-charging systems and integrated die-casting—at attractive prices in overseas markets. On the product side, Chinese brands have capitalized on the slow electrification pace of some global competitors by delivering fast charging and intelligent driving features. On the demand side, key markets in ASEAN, the Middle East, and Russia saw robust growth, including 35% year-to-date increases in vehicle demand in Vietnam, 15% in Thailand, and 10% in Russia.
Looking ahead, experts caution that potential headwinds—such as EU carbon tariffs, anti-subsidy investigations, and a high comparative base from late 2025—may moderate export growth toward a more sustainable pace for the remainder of the year.
Source: CarNewsChina
