According Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute, China's exports of passenger vehicles and new energy passenger vehicles (NEVs) maintained a steady growth momentum in the first half of 2026, alongside further optimized global market deployment.
Shipments of conventional passenger vehicles displayed obvious regional divergence: Russia and Brazil retained their top two rankings, while European markets continued to consolidate their core position. Exports of new energy passenger vehicles stayed red-hot, with Brazil remaining the leading destination, and Europe plus the Asia-Pacific region acting as the primary growth drivers. Against the backdrop of shifting global market demand and deepening local production layouts by Chinese automakers, overseas vehicle exports are transitioning from blind volume expansion to a more diversified and sophisticated development phase.
Top 10 destinations by China-made passenger vehicle exports
Russia: 432,698 passenger vehicles (+154.2% YoY) from January to June 2026
Brazil: 394,410 passenger vehicles (+158.6% YoY) from January to June 2026
UK: 251,290 passenger vehicles (+91.4% YoY) from January to June 2026
Belgium: 215,184 passenger vehicles (+46.2% YoY) from January to June 2026
Australia: 211,965 passenger vehicles (+84.2% YoY) from January to June 2026
Mexico: 148,154 passenger vehicles (-33.7% YoY) from January to June 2026
Italy: 146,769 passenger vehicles (+141.9% YoY) from January to June 2026
UAE: 135,713 passenger vehicles (-36.4% YoY) from January to June 2026
Spain: 115,264 passenger vehicles (+55.0% YoY) from January to June 2026
Malaysia: 103,745 passenger vehicles (+38.7% YoY) from January to June 2026
According to Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute, the landscape of destination countries for China's passenger vehicle exports underwent further adjustments in the first half of 2026. Russia reclaimed its position as the largest export market with shipments of 432,698 units, representing a surge of 154.2% YoY, which reflects the sustained release of robust local demand for Chinese vehicles. Brazil ranked second with 394,410 units exported, up 158.6% YoY. Driven by advance stockpiling ahead of the July tariff hike on fully built-up vehicles, Brazil maintained rapid export growth through H1. However, following the rollout of the new policy, future export models will likely shift gradually to completely knocked-down kits assembly and local manufacturing.
In terms of regional breakdown, Europe remained the core growth engine for China's passenger vehicle exports. The United Kingdom secured third place with 251,290 units, while Belgium (215,184 units), Italy (146,769 units) and Spain (115,264 units) all landed in the Top 10 destinations. Italy posted a striking 141.9% YoY increase, sustaining its rapid expansion. Nevertheless, the European market is still confronted with headwinds including restrictive trade policies, anti-subsidy probes and intensifying competition from local automakers. Future growth will hinge more heavily on brand strength and localized operational capabilities.
Divergence within Latin American markets widened further. While Brazil continued its strong growth momentum, Mexico's export volume slid 33.7% YoY to 148,154 units. Local demand remains under mounting pressure amid revised tariff rules and a tighter North American trade climate. The Middle Eastern market also entered a phase of correction: exports to the UAE fell 36.4% YoY to 135,713 units, marking a notable slowdown in its previous hyper-growth trajectory. By contrast, the Asia-Pacific region delivered steady expansion. Australia claimed fifth spot with 211,965 units (+84.2% YoY), and Malaysia crossed the 100,000-unit threshold for the first time at 103,745 units (+38.7% YoY), signaling substantial untapped growth potential across Southeast Asia and Oceania.
Top 10 destinations by China-made new energy passenger vehicle exports
Brazil: 293,032 new energy passenger vehicles (+158.8% YoY) from January to June 2026
Belgium: 207,174 new energy passenger vehicles (+45.3% YoY) from January to June 2026
UK: 181,880 new energy passenger vehicles (+101.8% YoY) from January to June 2026
Australia: 154,305 new energy passenger vehicles (+199.7% YoY) from January to June 2026
Germany: 83,085 new energy passenger vehicles (+219.5% YoY) from January to June 2026
Thailand: 80,914 new energy passenger vehicles (+84.0% YoY) from January to June 2026
Italy: 77,773 new energy passenger vehicles (+298.8% YoY) from January to June 2026
South Korea: 73,940 new energy passenger vehicles (+161.5% YoY) from January to June 2026
Spain: 71,872 new energy passenger vehicles (+69.3% YoY) from January to June 2026
UAE: 59,739 new energy passenger vehicles (+34.7% YoY) from January to June 2026
According to data compiled by the Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute, China's exports of NEVs maintained rapid growth in the first half of 2026, with export destinations further concentrated in European and Asia-Pacific markets. Brazil retained its top ranking with 293,032 units shipped, up 158.8% YoY, and new energy models have become the absolute backbone of China's vehicle exports to Brazil. Belgium and the United Kingdom took second and third positions with 207,174 units and 181,880 units respectively. Exports to the UK surpassed 180,000 units for the first time, rising 101.8% YoY, while Belgium continued to serve as a vital logistics and transit hub within Europe.
In terms of regional distribution, Europe remained the core growth engine for China's NEV exports. Five European economies secured spots in the Top 10 destination list: Belgium, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy and Spain. Germany recorded a 219.5% YoY surge, Italy saw a 298.8% YoY jump, and exports to the UK doubled over the prior year, demonstrating the steadily rising competitiveness of Chinese NEVs across mainstream European markets. At the same time, competition in Europe will gradually shift from the initial product launch phase to an all-round contest centered on brand power, sales channel construction and localized operational capabilities.
The Asia-Pacific region sustained fast expansion. Australia ranked fourth with 154,305 units, an increase of 199.7% YoY, emerging as the largest overseas NEV market outside Europe. Thailand and South Korea posted exports of 80,914 units and 73,940 units, growing 84.0% YoY and 161.5% YoY respectively, which reflects continuously rising market penetration of Chinese NEVs in Southeast and Northeast Asia. As for the Middle East, the UAE received 59,739 units, representing steady growth of 34.7% YoY, though its growth rate moderated compared with previous periods.
