Cui Dongshu, Secretary-General of the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), revealed in a recent article that between January and September of 2026, China exported a total of 8.63 million vehicles, reflecting a robust year-on-year growth of 52%. In September alone, exports soared to 1.18 million units, marking a significant 55% increase compared to the same month last year and a 13% rise from the previous month, underscoring a consistently strong performance. This remarkable surge can be primarily attributed to soaring global oil prices, which have spurred demand for fuel-efficient and cost-effective vehicles, as well as the enhanced competitiveness of Chinese automotive products on the global stage. Additionally, sustained market expansion in the Global South, encompassing regions like Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia, has further fueled this growth. Nevertheless, it's worth noting that exports to Mexico and the Philippines experienced a slight month-on-month decline in September, indicating some regional market fluctuations. From a regional perspective, Anhui province emerged as the leader in automotive export growth from January to September 2026, boasting a staggering 115% increase, closely followed by Zhejiang. Meanwhile, companies headquartered in Shanghai achieved higher export volumes and average prices, showcasing the city's pivotal role in China's automotive export landscape.
