China exported roughly 1.2 million New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) in 2024 according to the China Passenger Car Association - a fivefold increase since 2021. Total motor vehicle exports from China hit 5.86 million in 2024, eclipsing Japan's exports for the second consecutive year and making China the world's largest auto exporter.
Where the Cars Are Going
Europe took roughly 35% of China's NEV exports in 2024, with the UK, Belgium, Germany and France being the biggest destinations. Southeast Asia (Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines) took another 20%. Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Chile) and the Middle East round out the top destinations.
Brand Leaders
BYD exported approximately 420,000 vehicles globally in 2024 (a mix of PHEV and BEV). MG (owned by SAIC) shipped over 600,000 units worldwide, the bulk of which were exports. Chery, with its Omoda and Jaecoo sub-brands, became the largest Chinese exporter to Russia and the Middle East. Tesla's Shanghai factory exported around 300,000 cars to Europe and Asia-Pacific.
EU Tariff Headwinds
The EU imposed countervailing duties of 17-35% on Chinese-built BEVs from late 2024. This has not stopped the export wave but has changed the strategy: BYD is building plants in Hungary and Thailand, Chery in Spain, Geely scaling Volvo and Polestar globally, and SAIC localising MG production in the EU.
See full export-vs-domestic breakdown patterns in the China dashboard.