According to the 2025 European Automotive Market Report, China’s auto exports to the European Union (EU) exceeded one million units for the first time, reaching 1,006,188 units. This represents a significant 30.7% year-on-year increase. The export value also saw a modest rise, reaching €13.72 billion, up 4.0% from the previous year. The market share of Chinese-made vehicles in the EU climbed from 5% in 2022 to 7%, firmly establishing China as the largest source of auto imports into the EU. In stark contrast, European automakers experienced a sharp decline in exports to China, with a 43% year-on-year drop.

Despite the EU imposing substantial additional tariffs on Chinese automakers, Chinese vehicles have continued to showcase remarkable resilience in the market. Meanwhile, the growth trajectory of Japanese and South Korean brands, which once held sway over the European imported vehicle market, has come to a standstill. For instance, Hyundai and Kia witnessed an 8.4% year-on-year decrease in sales during January and February of 2026. In stark contrast, Chinese automaker BYD experienced a remarkable surge in sales in Europe, with a 162.7% year-on-year increase. Industry experts predict that Chinese automakers will continue to expand their market share in Europe, further accelerating the restructuring of the global automotive market landscape.