Belgium remains key gateway to Europe丨China's passenger vehicle export overview (Jan.-Sept. 2025)

According to data compiled by the Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute, China's passenger vehicle exports maintained strong growth from January to September 2025. The United Arab Emirates and Belgium ranked first among destinations for overall passenger vehicle and new energy vehicle (NEV) exports, respectively. Meanwhile, emerging markets such as Kazakhstan posted remarkable growth, becoming new anchors for Chinese brands' overseas expansion. From Europe's mature markets to the rapidly growing regions of the Middle East and Southeast Asia, Chinese automakers are reshaping the global landscape of NEV exports with broader geographic coverage and more flexible product structures.

Overall, while China's passenger vehicle exports continue to strengthen their global presence and shift toward high-growth markets, fluctuations in certain regions highlight the need for automakers to further optimize their regional layouts and diversify risk.

Top 10 destination countries by China's passenger vehicle exports

UAE: 45,405 units in September and 344,989 units (+58.1% YoY) from January to September.

Russia: 66,836 units in September and 339,866 units (–53.7% YoY) from January to September.

Mexico: 36,371 units in September and 322,183 units (+15.2% YoY) from January to September.

Belgium: 19,684 units in September and 226,215 units (+5.0% YoY) from January to September.

UK: 25,902 units in September and 216,150 units (+47.6% YoY) from January to September.

Brazil: 23,226 units in September and 204,329 units (+4.1% YoY) from January to September.

Australia: 21,864 units in September and 185,312 units (+58.4% YoY) from January to September.

Saudi Arabia: 21,667 units in September and 185,186 units (+23.7% YoY) from January to September.

Iran: 7,662 units in September and 137,841 units (–35.8% YoY) from January to September.

Kazakhstan: 15,169 units in September and 130,469 units (+81.0% YoY) from January to September.

In the first three quarters of 2025, China's passenger vehicle exports continued to run at a high level, with increasingly diversified market distribution. Among the top ten export destinations from January to September, markets such as the UAE, Mexico, the UK, Australia, and Saudi Arabia recorded notable growth, underscoring the deep penetration of Chinese brands across the Middle East, Latin America, Europe, and Oceania. The UAE became the largest export destination, with a total of 344,989 units exported, up 58.1% YoY, reflecting robust demand for Chinese vehicles in the Middle Eastern market.

Russia remains an important export market for Chinese automakers, but exports fell 53.7% YoY  due to geopolitical factors and supply chain adjustments. In contrast, Mexico and Australia showed strong momentum, with exports rising 15.2% and 58.4%, respectively. Belgium and the UK continued their upward trends in September, reaching cumulative exports of 226,215 and 216,150 units, both posting stronger growth than earlier months. Backed by favorable policies and increasing demand for new energy vehicles, Europe is emerging as a key growth hub for Chinese car exports, reflecting the rising acceptance of Chinese brands in mature markets.

Emerging markets continued to gain momentum, with Kazakhstan reaching 130,469 units in cumulative exports, up 81% YoY—still strong despite a slight slowdown from earlier months. Meanwhile, Malaysia dropped out of the top 10, and Iran ranked ninth with 137,841 units, underscoring the growth potential of Middle Eastern and Central Asian markets. Overall, China's car exports are now supported by multiple regions—including the Middle East, Latin America, Europe, and Central Asia—creating a more balanced global footprint and laying a solid foundation for deeper localization overseas.

Top 10 destination countries by China's new energy passenger vehicle exports

Belgium: 18,860 units in September and 218,144 units (+7.1% YoY) from January to September.

United Kingdom: 18,396 units in September and 149,401 units (+58.5% YoY) from January to September.

Brazil: 10,902 units in September and 135,061 units (0.0% YoY) from January to September.

Mexico: 4,199 units in September and 102,382 units (+73.8% YoY) from January to September.

UAE: 20,375 units in September and 89,948 units (+66.9% YoY) from January to September.

Australia: 8,936 units in September and 89,694 units (+57.6% YoY) from January to September.

Indonesia: 15,139 units in September and 71,869 units (+113.8% YoY) from January to September.

Thailand: 10,403 units in September and 69,615 units (+30.4% YoY) from January to September.

Israel: 9,142 units in September and 67,673 units (+59.7% YoY) from January to September.

Spain: 8,077 units in September and 66,745 units (+42.1% YoY) from January to September.

In the first three quarters of 2025, China's exports of NEVs maintained strong growth, with a clearly differentiated regional structure. Belgium topped the list with a cumulative export volume of 218,144 units, remaining a key gateway for Chinese NEVs entering the European market. UK ranked second with 149,401 units, up 58.5% YoY. Overall, European countries took three spots among the top 10 destinations, solidifying their role as the main growth engine for China's NEV exports.

Latin American and Middle Eastern markets remained dynamic, with Brazil, Mexico, and the UAE ranking third to fifth. Brazil recorded exports of 135,061 units, indicating a phase of steady market absorption. Mexico saw a strong 73.8% YoY increase, standing out in the North American market. The UAE, with 89,948 units and a robust 66.9% growth rate, became a key driver of surging NEV demand in the Middle East. As local charging infrastructure and policy environments improve, Chinese brands are shifting from pure trade exports to deeper market engagement.

Indonesia and Thailand delivered standout performances, leading Southeast Asia with YoY growth of 113.8% and 30.4%, respectively. This reflects the region's emergence as a key growth hub for Chinese NEV exports, driven by supportive policies and consumer upgrades. Meanwhile, Israel and Spain entering the top 10 highlights the rising demand for Chinese NEVs in the Middle East and Southern Europe. Overall, China's NEV exports are shifting from "single-market breakthroughs" to "multi-regional resonance," with a more balanced and resilient growth structure that underscores the deepening global competitiveness of Chinese brands.