Russia tops overall export markets丨China's passenger vehicle export overview (Jan.-Oct. 2025)

According to data compiled by the Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute, China's passenger vehicle exports remained resilient in January–October 2025, marked by stable overall volumes and accelerating growth in new energy vehicles (NEVs). Russia, the UAE, and Mexico ranked among the top export destinations, with Russia leading on year-end shipment momentum, while Belgium remained the largest market for NEV exports. Emerging markets such as Kazakhstan and Australia posted strong growth, reflecting a more diversified export structure.

Overall, China's passenger vehicle exports are shifting from reliance on traditional markets toward a broader mix of high-potential regions, with NEVs becoming the primary growth driver.

Top 10 destination countries by China's passenger vehicle exports

Russia: 90,921 units in October and 430,787 units (–48.5% YoY) from January to October

UAE: 42,380 units in October and 387,369 units (+57.3% YoY) from January to October

Mexico: 56,356 units in October and 378,539 units (+26.0% YoY) from January to October

Belgium: 29,287 units in October and 255,502 units (+4.4% YoY) from January to October

UK: 29,832 units in October and 245,982 units (+51.8% YoY) from January to October

Brazil: 35,743 units in October and 240,072 units (+15.6% YoY) from January to October

Australia: 23,065 units in October and 208,377 units (+58.3% YoY) from January to October

Saudi Arabia: 20,116 units in October and 205,302 units (+16.2% YoY) from January to October

Iran: 19,018 units in October and 156,859 units (–31.5% YoY) from January to October

Kazakhstan: 18,870 units in October and 149,339 units (+82.7% YoY) from January to October

From January to October 2025, China's passenger vehicle exports showed a pattern of "pressure at the top and strong growth in emerging markets." Russia ranked first with 430,800 units, but saw a sharp 48.5% YoY decline due to a high base and regional trade factors, making it the only market in the Top 10 with a significant contraction. In contrast, emerging markets such as Kazakhstan, Australia, and the UAE recorded rapid growth of 82.7%, 58.3%, and 57.3% respectively, highlighting China's rising penetration in emerging markets.

Regionally, the Middle East emerged as a key growth engine. The UAE and Saudi Arabia both ranked in the Top 10, with growth of 57.3% and 16.2%, respectively, while shipments to Iran further strengthened the region's role. This reflects rising acceptance of Chinese brands amid electrification and dual-track powertrain policies. Europe (Belgium and the UK) remained stable, with steady volumes indicating gradually improving brand recognition in mature markets.

October export data further highlighted market divergence. Russia led monthly shipments with 90,921 units, reflecting year-end shipment acceleration ahead of a planned increase in import scrappage taxes. Mexico and Brazil followed with 56,356 and 35,743 units, underscoring resilient demand in Latin America. Several emerging markets also showed signs of acceleration, suggesting structural growth potential. Overall, China's passenger vehicle exports are shifting from reliance on a few major markets toward a more diversified and balanced expansion model.

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

Belgium: 27,396 NEV passenger vehicles in October and 245,540 units (+5.8% YoY) from January to October.

UK: 21,466 units in October and 170,867 units (+62.5% YoY) from January to October

Brazil: 21,313 units in October and 156,374 units (+12.0% YoY) from January to October

Mexico: 11,038 units in October and 113,420 units (+77.8% YoY) from January to October

UAE: 19,390 units in October and 109,338 units (+81.5% YoY) from January to October

Australia: 11,886 units in October and 101,580 units (+57.7% YoY) from January to October

Thailand: 12,706 units in October and 82,321 units (+35.4% YoY) from January to October

Indonesia: 9,964 units in October and 81,833 units (+120.7% YoY) from January to October

Israel: 10,744 units in October and 78,417 units (+24.5% YoY) from January to October

Spain: 5,685 units in October and 72,430 units (+40.8% YoY) from January to October

From January to October 2025, China's top 10 export destinations for NEVs highlight Europe's continued central role. Belgium ranked first with 245,540 units, followed by the UK with 170,867 units, reflecting the solid scale and acceptance of Chinese NEVs in Europe. Meanwhile, growth in emerging markets was particularly strong: exports to Indonesia surged 120.7% YoY to over 81,833 units, while Mexico and the UAE posted growth of 77.8% and 81.5% YoY, respectively, becoming key drivers of overall export expansion.

Regionally, Europe maintains high export volumes but slower growth (Belgium +5.8% YoY), supported by established market foundations. Faster expansion comes from Asia-Pacific and Latin America, with Indonesia (+120.7% YoY) and Mexico (+77.8% YoY) leading on policy support, cost competitiveness, and localization. Emerging markets in the Middle East and Southeast Asia continue to expand steadily, accelerating the shift toward a more diversified export structure.

Overall, China's NEV exports are taking shape as a dual-track pattern: mature markets sustain volume stability, while emerging markets drive rapid expansion. Europe provides a solid base, whereas emerging regions are becoming the key engines for future growth. With broader product portfolios, improving technologies, and deeper localization, the global competitiveness of Chinese NEV models is set to strengthen further.