China’s passenger car exports to the European Union surpassed the 1 million-unit threshold for the first time in 2025, marking a significant shift in global auto trade patterns. According to data released April 2 by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, EU imports of China-made vehicles rose 30.7% year-on-year to 1,006,188 units. This increase pushed the share of Chinese models in the European market to 7%, up from 5% in 2022.
In monetary terms, exports from China to the EU reached €13.72 billion in 2025, reflecting a 4.0% increase from the previous year. By contrast, European car shipments to China experienced a sharp downturn, falling 43% over the same period. The resulting trade imbalance underscores China’s growing influence as a major supplier to Europe’s automotive market.
While Chinese brands have ramped up their presence, competitors from other Asian markets have seen little growth. South Korea and Japan maintained import market shares of roughly 3% and 4%, respectively, in 2025. This sluggish expansion continued into early 2026: in January and February combined, Hyundai and Kia sales in the broader European market declined 8.4% year-on-year, totaling 143,457 units.
In contrast, Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD reported a 162.7% jump in European sales during the same two-month period, reaching 36,069 units. The broader European electric vehicle market also continued its upward trajectory, with total EV registrations rising 14.8% to 379,604 units in January and February 2026.
Source: CNEV Post
