China’s Automotive Exports Surge in 2025, Led by NEVs

China exported 8.32 million vehicles in 2025, with NEV exports up 70%, according to CPCA data reported by SPEEDME.RU. Explore key markets and shifts.

China’s automotive exports reached a new milestone in 2025, with overseas shipments totaling 8.32 million vehicles, a 30% year-on-year increase. The main driver of this expansion was the rapid growth of new energy vehicles (NEVs), whose exports surged by 70% to 3.43 million units.

The geographic structure of demand shifted notably. Mexico became the largest importer of Chinese vehicles, receiving 625,187 units, ahead of Russia (582,738) and the United Arab Emirates (571,937). Compared with 2023–2024, when Russia, Belgium, and Australia dominated, 2025 saw a more diversified export map, with the UAE emerging as one of the fastest-growing markets.

The expansion was accompanied by a clear change in export composition. NEVs accounted for 28% of total exports, while the share of conventional gasoline-powered cars fell to 43%, an 11 percentage point decline. Plug-in hybrids and traditional hybrids continued to strengthen their positions, while pure electric vehicle growth was more moderate.

In the NEV segment, the largest importers were Belgium, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Brazil, and the Philippines. At the same time, countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, and India—although not among the top ten overall importers—showed strong demand for electric vehicles, highlighting the emergence of EV-focused markets.

Export dynamics throughout the year remained uneven. Shipments declined between February and April 2025, coinciding with the impact of U.S. trade restrictions. Growth resumed from May through November, while December stood out as an especially active month, partly driven by a surge in vehicles exported under used-car classifications.

Despite higher volumes, average export prices continued to fall. In 2025, the average price dropped to $16,000 per vehicle, reflecting a lower share of premium models and a reduced contribution from high-margin electric vehicles of U.S. origin.

Taken together, these trends suggest that China’s automotive industry is increasingly adapting to shifts in global demand. By expanding its footprint across new markets, accelerating NEV exports, and intensifying price competition, Chinese manufacturers are positioning electrified vehicles as the core engine of future export growth.