According to Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute, China's passenger vehicle and NEV exports continued to grow in the first seven months of 2026. Russia led with 524,428 units (+143.4% YoY), followed by Brazil with 408,393 units (+148.4% YoY). The global market footprint is becoming increasingly diversified.
Overall Passenger Vehicle Export Landscape
From January to July 2026, China's passenger vehicle exports showed clear regional divergence. Russia remained the largest export market with 524,428 vehicles, up 143.4% YoY. Brazil ranked second with 408,393 vehicles, up 148.4% YoY.
As Brazil gradually implements policies related to vehicle imports, exports to this market may increasingly shift toward KD assembly and localized production.
Top 10 passenger vehicle export destinations:
- Russia: 524,428 units, +143.4%
- Brazil: 408,393 units, +148.4%
- UK: 315,653 units, +94.8%
- Belgium: 266,050 units, +48.8%
- Australia: 261,182 units, +91.1%
- Mexico: 191,418 units, -24.8%
- Italy: 171,454 units, +129.7%
- UAE: 156,615 units, -38.7%
- Spain: 139,565 units, +64.6%
- Malaysia: 124,759 units, +39.0%
European Market Continues to Expand
Europe remained a key growth region for China's passenger vehicle exports. 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. Competition in Europe is shifting from product exports toward brand building, channel development and localized operations.
European market highlights:
- UK exports exceeded 315,000 units, nearly doubling YoY
- Italy grew 129.7%, among the fastest-growing markets
- Belgium continued to serve as an important European logistics and import hub
- Spain rose 64.6% with steady growth
NEV Exports Maintain Strong Growth
China's new energy passenger vehicle exports maintained rapid growth, with Europe and Asia-Pacific gaining greater importance.
Top 10 NEV export destinations:
- Brazil: 298,211 units, +154.6%
- Belgium: 255,681 units, +48.3%
- UK: 231,198 units, +106.8%
- Australia: 194,020 units, +191.3%
- Thailand: 100,609 units, +93.6%
- Germany: 94,130 units, +181.9%
- Italy: 92,435 units, +257.0%
- South Korea: 91,081 units, +154.9%
- Spain: 87,644 units, +81.5%
- UAE: 63,531 units, +16.4%
Italy and Germany recorded particularly strong growth of 257.0% and 181.9% respectively, highlighting rising acceptance of Chinese NEVs in major European markets. The Asia-Pacific region also expanded rapidly, with Australia ranking fourth at 194,020 units (+191.3% YoY), making it the largest NEV export market outside Europe.
As global demand evolves and Chinese automakers deepen localization efforts overseas, China's automotive exports are shifting from scale-driven expansion toward a more diversified growth model. For global automotive market updates, visit EX1000.COM.
Top 10 China-Made PV and NEV Export Destinations (Jan.-Jul. 2026)
| Rank | PV Export Destination | Volume | YoY | NEV Export Destination | Volume | YoY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Russia | 524,428 | +143.4% | Brazil | 298,211 | +154.6% |
| 2 | Brazil | 408,393 | +148.4% | Belgium | 255,681 | +48.3% |
| 3 | UK | 315,653 | +94.8% | UK | 231,198 | +106.8% |
| 4 | Belgium | 266,050 | +48.8% | Australia | 194,020 | +191.3% |
| 5 | Australia | 261,182 | +91.1% | Thailand | 100,609 | +93.6% |
