According to the Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute, the export patterns of major Chinese automakers showed clear regional differences in May 2026. BYD adopted a "Latin America-led, multi-region supported" strategy, with Central & South America ranking first at 43,924 units. Geely Holding maintained a "single-market lead with multi-region growth" structure, with CIS countries leading at 31,507 units. Chery Holding showed a "dual-core driven, multi-market supported" pattern, with the EU + UK + EFTA region ranking first at 55,672 units. The different regional focuses of the three automakers reflect the increasingly diversified global expansion strategies of Chinese brands.
The regional export destination ranking of BYD passenger vehicles (May 2026) is as follows:
Central & South America: In May 2026, BYD exported 43,924 units to the region.
Southeast Asia: In May 2026, BYD exported 21,341 units to the region.
EU + UK + EFTA: In May 2026, BYD exported 18,366 units to the region.
Oceania: In May 2026, BYD exported 16,544 units to the region.
Other Asia: In May 2026, BYD exported 9,363 units to the region.
CIS countries: In May 2026, BYD exported 8,628 units to the region.
Africa: In May 2026, BYD exported 4,469 units to the region.
Middle East: In May 2026, BYD exported 2,867 units to the region.
North America: In May 2026, BYD exported 2,573 units to the region.
Other Europe: In May 2026, BYD exported 476 units to the region.
According to the Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute, BYD's passenger vehicle export structure in May 2026 maintained a clear tiered pattern. Central & South America ranked first with 43,924 units, driven mainly by accelerated shipments to Brazil ahead of the upcoming tariff increase in July. Southeast Asia rose to second place with 21,341 units, reflecting expanding NEV demand and the region's growing supply chain advantages. The EU + UK + EFTA region ranked third with 18,366 units. Despite slipping in ranking from April, BYD's presence in mature European markets remained stable, supported by continued brand upgrading and product competitiveness.
Oceania ranked fourth with 16,544 units, supported by regional advantages and local NEV promotion policies. Other Asia and CIS countries recorded exports of 9,363 units and 8,628 units, respectively, and remained in the early stage of market penetration. Africa and the Middle East exported 4,469 units and 2,867 units, respectively, as both markets are still undergoing channel development and demand cultivation.
Notably, exports to North America and Other Europe stood at 2,573 units and 476 units, respectively. Amid uncertainties from geopolitical conditions, trade barriers, and market access requirements, BYD has maintained a cautious approach to expansion in these regions.
The regional export destination ranking of Geely Holding passenger vehicles (May 2026) is as follows:
CIS countries: In May 2026, Geely Holding exported 31,507 units to the region.
Southeast Asia: In May 2026, Geely Holding exported 21,054 units to the region.
EU + UK + EFTA: In May 2026, Geely Holding exported 16,137 units to the region.
Central & South America: In May 2026, Geely Holding exported 14,726 units to the region.
Africa: In May 2026, Geely Holding exported 13,231 units to the region.
North America: In May 2026, Geely Holding exported 5,711 units to the region.
Oceania: In May 2026, Geely Holding exported 5,571 units to the region.
Middle East: In May 2026, Geely Holding exported 3,878 units to the region.
Other Asia: In May 2026, Geely Holding exported 1,711 units to the region.
Other Europe: In May 2026, Geely Holding exported 113 units to the region.
According to the Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute, Geely Holding's passenger vehicle export structure in May 2026 showed a pattern of "one dominant market with multiple growth regions." CIS countries ranked first with 31,507 units. Leveraging years of localized production, tailored models, and established dealer networks, Geely has continued to strengthen its regional presence, with growing scale advantages and brand recognition.
Southeast Asia ranked second with 21,054 units, driven by rising demand for both NEVs and traditional vehicles. Supported by geographical proximity and right-hand-drive model adaptation, Geely has steadily expanded its market penetration in the region. The EU + UK + EFTA region ranked third with 16,137 units, maintaining a stable presence in mature markets. Central & South America recorded 14,726 units. Despite a lower ranking, Geely continues to deepen brand building and channel development in key markets such as Brazil, maintaining a solid growth foundation.
Africa ranked fifth with 13,231 units. As a traditional focus market for Geely, the region continues to provide stable growth through its cost-effective product strategy and expanding dealer network. North America and Oceania recorded exports of 5,711 units and 5,571 units, respectively, representing steadily developing markets with gradual demand growth.
The Middle East exported 3,878 units and remains in the early stage of brand penetration and channel expansion. Other Asia and Other Europe recorded 1,711 units and 113 units, respectively, with expansion proceeding cautiously amid geopolitical uncertainties and market access barriers.
The regional export destination ranking of Chery Holding passenger vehicles (May 2026) is as follows:
EU + UK + EFTA: In May 2026, Chery Holding exported 55,672 units to the region.
CIS countries: In May 2026, Chery Holding exported 44,020 units to the region.
Central & South America: In May 2026, Chery Holding exported 17,141 units to the region.
Africa: In May 2026, Chery Holding exported 12,680 units to the region.
Southeast Asia: In May 2026, Chery Holding exported 10,761 units to the region.
Middle East: In May 2026, Chery Holding exported 10,740 units to the region.
Oceania: In May 2026, Chery Holding exported 5,597 units to the region.
North America: In May 2026, Chery Holding exported 3,289 units to the region.
Other Asia: In May 2026, Chery Holding exported 3,229 units to the region.
Other Europe: In May 2026, Chery Holding exported 260 units to the region.
According to the Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute, Chery Holding's passenger vehicle export structure in May 2026 showed a pattern of "dual-core growth with multi-region support." The EU + UK + EFTA region ranked first with 55,672 units, highlighting Chery's rising product competitiveness and brand recognition in Europe, which has become a key growth engine for its global exports.
CIS countries ranked second with 44,020 units. Together with Europe, the region forms Chery's "dual-core" export foundation, supported by long-established channel networks and localized product adaptation, which have further strengthened its delivery capabilities.
Central & South America ranked third with 17,141 units. Although exports declined from April, the region remains an important pillar of Chery's presence in the Americas. Africa recorded 12,680 units, maintaining stable shipments, while Southeast Asia and the Middle East exported 10,761 units and 10,740 units, respectively, forming a closely positioned middle tier.
Together with Central & South America, these three markets — Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East — constitute a solid foundation for Chery's global exports. The company's multi-market and wide-ranging expansion strategy continues to strengthen, helping diversify operational risks from fluctuations in individual markets.
