According to Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute, the regional landscape of Chinese automakers' overseas exports shifted again in July 2026, with markets diverging amid changes in demand, tariff policies, and localization efforts.
BYD maintained its strong presence in Europe while seeing rapid growth in the Middle East. Geely Holding regained the lead in the CIS market, with Southeast Asia emerging as a key growth driver. Chery Holding continued its Europe-CIS dual-market strategy, while the Middle East became its third-largest export market.As global trade conditions evolve, Chinese automakers are adjusting their overseas strategies based on their product portfolios and channel resources. Regional adaptability and localization capabilities are becoming increasingly important to global competitiveness.
The regional export destination ranking of BYD passenger vehicles (July 2026) is as follows:
EU+UK+EFTA: In July 2026, BYD exported 46,955 units to the region.
Oceania: In July 2026, BYD exported 18,067 units to the region.
Central & South America: In July 2026, BYD exported 17,607 units to the region.
Southeast Asia: In July 2026, BYD exported 13,687 units to the region.
Middle East: In July 2026, BYD exported 13,164 units to the region.
CIS Countries: In July 2026, BYD exported 10,316 units to the region.
Rest of Asia: In July 2026, BYD exported 9,531 units to the region.
Africa: In July 2026, BYD exported 5,925 units to the region.
North America: In July 2026, BYD exported 2,811 units to the region.
Rest of Europe: In July 2026, BYD exported 528 units to the region.
According to Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute, BYD's passenger vehicle export landscape shifted again in July 2026, with Europe retaining its leading position while the Middle East emerged as a major growth market.
The EU+UK+EFTA region remained BYD's largest export market, with 46,955 units, down from 54,085 in June but still maintaining a solid lead. Oceania and Central & South America ranked second and third, with 18,067 and 17,607 units, respectively. Oceania remained stable, supported by Australia, while exports to Central & South America increased in July. Despite higher tariffs in Brazil, vehicle exports did not see a sustained sharp decline, suggesting the market is gradually adapting to the new tariff environment, while KD assembly is also beginning to gain traction.
Exports to Southeast Asia fell to 13,687 units, moving from second place in June to fourth. Following a period of concentrated deliveries, vehicle exports cooled in the short term. As BYD expands local production capacity in the region, exports may gradually shift from finished vehicles toward local manufacturing.
The Middle East was the biggest highlight in July, with exports reaching 13,164 units and rising from seventh to fifth place. Growing demand has made the region an increasingly important source of overseas growth for BYD. Exports to the CIS and other Asian markets stood at 10,316 and 9,531 units, respectively, remaining relatively stable. Africa recorded 5,925 units and is still in an early-stage development phase. North America remained limited at 2,811 units due to trade barriers and market access restrictions, while other European markets accounted for just 528 units, indicating BYD's presence in non-EU European markets remains limited.
The regional export destination ranking of Geely Holding passenger vehicles (July 2026) is as follows:
CIS Countries: In July 2026, Geely Holding exported 31,417 units to the region.
Southeast Asia: In July 2026, Geely Holding exported 28,318 units to the region.
EU+UK+EFTA: In July 2026, Geely Holding exported 20,798 units to the region.
Africa: In July 2026, Geely Holding exported 14,340 units to the region.
North America: In July 2026, Geely Holding exported 7,380 units to the region.
Middle East: In July 2026, Geely Holding exported 7,148 units to the region.
Central & South America: In July 2026, Geely Holding exported 7,039 units to the region.
Oceania: In July 2026, Geely Holding exported 4,204 units to the region.
Rest of Asia: In July 2026, Geely Holding exported 1,808 units to the region.
Rest of Europe: In July 2026, Geely Holding exported 107 units to the region.
According to Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute, Geely Holding's passenger vehicle exports in July 2026 showed a pattern of "CIS leadership, Southeast Asia gaining ground, and Europe cooling." The CIS topped the list again with 31,417 units, supported by established localization and dealer networks, making it the core market for Geely's overseas exports.
Southeast Asia ranked second with 28,318 units. The continued rollout of new energy models, combined with regional supply chain synergies, accelerated deliveries and made the region a key source of incremental growth. Exports to the EU+UK+EFTA region fell to third place at 20,798 units, down noticeably from June as deliveries in Europe slowed in the short term, though export volumes remained substantial.
Africa ranked fourth with 14,340 units, reflecting steady market expansion in emerging markets. The Middle East, North America, and Central & South America recorded 7,148, 7,380, and 7,039 units, respectively, forming a second tier of markets with similar volumes. North America stood out relatively strongly, reflecting Geely's distinctive export channel built through brand integration and local partnerships. Oceania accounted for 4,204 units, while other Asian markets and other European markets recorded just 1,808 and 107 units, respectively, leaving room for further regional expansion.
The regional export destination ranking of Chery Holding passenger vehicles (July 2026) is as follows:
EU+UK+EFTA: In July 2026, Chery Holding exported 64,678 units to the region.
CIS Countries: In July 2026, Chery Holding exported 39,338 units to the region.
Middle East: In July 2026, Chery Holding exported 21,123 units to the region.
Southeast Asia: In July 2026, Chery Holding exported 16,564 units to the region.
Central & South America: In July 2026, Chery Holding exported 16,359 units to the region.
Africa: In July 2026, Chery Holding exported 13,658 units to the region.
North America: In July 2026, Chery Holding exported 5,956 units to the region.
Oceania: In July 2026, Chery Holding exported 3,048 units to the region.
Rest of Asia: In July 2026, Chery Holding exported 779 units to the region.
Rest of Europe: In July 2026, Chery Holding exported 514 units to the region.
According to Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute, Chery Holding's passenger vehicle exports in July 2026 maintained a "dual-core, multi-market growth" pattern. The EU+UK+EFTA region ranked first with 60,775 units, remaining Chery's largest export market and reflecting its strong product competitiveness and established channel network in developed European markets.
The CIS ranked second with 43,624 units, with exports increasing from June. Strong market foundations and localization capabilities continued to support the region's resilience. The Middle East was the biggest highlight in July, with exports reaching 27,454 units and rising from sixth to third place as demand accelerated, making the region an increasingly important growth market for Chery.
Southeast Asia and Central & South America ranked fourth and fifth, with 20,256 and 20,177 units, respectively. Exports to Southeast Asia continued to grow as new energy models were introduced at a faster pace, while Central & South America saw a slight decline but remained at a relatively high level. Africa recorded 15,926 units, down slightly but maintaining a stable base in emerging markets.
North American exports jumped to 6,255 units from 779 in June, marking a significant breakthrough in Chery's overseas expansion. Oceania remained relatively stable at 5,484 units. Other Asian and European markets recorded 1,340 and 906 units, respectively, with relatively small volumes.
