In July 2026, China's auto exports reached 1.043 million units, breaking the one-million mark for two consecutive months, with NEV exports exceeding 50% of total exports for the first time.
Export Data Highlights: Double Million Milestone
According to the latest data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), China's auto exports in July 2026 reached 1.043 million units, up 0.6% month-on-month and surging 81.3% year-on-year. This marks the second consecutive month that China's auto exports have crossed the one-million threshold, firmly establishing the country as the world's largest auto exporter.
New energy vehicles emerged as the brightest highlight. NEV exports in July reached 553,000 units, up 5.7% month-on-month and soaring 145.5% year-on-year, with NEVs accounting for over 50% of total vehicle exports for the first time. This means one in every two Chinese cars exported is a new energy vehicle.
| Indicator | July 2026 | MoM Growth | YoY Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Auto Exports | 1.043M units | 0.6% | 81.3% |
| NEV Exports | 553,000 units | 5.7% | 145.5% |
| BEV Exports | ~400,000 units | — | 110% |
| PHEV Exports | ~150,000 units | — | 140% |
Cumulative Performance and Structural Shift
In the first seven months of 2026, China's cumulative auto exports reached 6.14 million units, up 66.8% year-on-year. NEV exports totaled 2.909 million units, up 1.2 times year-on-year, significantly outpacing traditional fuel vehicles.
By powertrain type, BEV exports in the first seven months reached 1.764 million units, up 1.1 times year-on-year, while PHEV exports reached 1.144 million units, up 1.4 times year-on-year. The faster growth of PHEVs reflects strong overseas demand for vehicles that balance range and fuel efficiency.
By company ranking, the top three exporters are:
- Chery — Leading Chinese brand passenger vehicle exports for consecutive years
- BYD — Rapid growth in NEV exports
- SAIC Motor — Extensive global market presence
Domestic Pressure vs. Export Surge
In contrast to the booming exports, the domestic auto market faces some pressure. July passenger vehicle sales reached 2.268 million units, down 0.9% year-on-year. CAAM Deputy Secretary-General Chen Shihua noted that the market is showing a pattern of "domestic demand under pressure, foreign trade strong," with exports becoming a key force stabilizing the industry.
Notably, Chinese brand passenger vehicle market share continues to climb. In July, Chinese brands accounted for 77.4% of passenger vehicle sales, up 7.2 percentage points year-on-year, with a cumulative share of 72.7% in the first seven months.
Full-Year Outlook: Targeting 10 Million
Looking ahead, CAAM's Xu Haidong expects China's full-year auto exports to exceed 9 million units, potentially reaching 10-11 million. Consulting firm AlixPartners previously predicted that China would become the world's first country to export over 10 million vehicles in a single year in 2026.
China's robust NEV export growth is driven by the world's most complete supply chain and intelligent technology advantages. For overseas buyers and dealers following Chinese automotive developments, staying updated on export trends helps optimize procurement timing. For more information, visit EX1000.COM.
