October 27, 2025 — According to the latest analysis released by industry expert Cui Dongshu, China exported 5.71 million vehicles from January to September 2025, marking a 21% year-on-year increase. In September alone, exports reached 763,000 units, up 26% from a year earlier and flat month-over-month.
Shift in Export Landscape
China’s top car export destination has changed for the first time — Mexico has overtaken Russia to become the largest importer of Chinese vehicles. During the first nine months of 2025, China exported 410,739 vehicles to Mexico. In contrast, exports to Russia fell sharply to 357,708 units, down nearly 50% year-on-year, as Chinese automakers strengthened their risk management amid high inventory levels in the Russian market.
The top ten destinations for China’s vehicle exports in January–September 2025 were:
- Mexico – 410,739 units
- United Arab Emirates – 367,796
- Russia – 357,708
- Belgium – 233,748
- United Kingdom – 224,590
- Saudi Arabia – 223,963
- Australia – 223,370
- Brazil – 218,146
- Philippines – 196,676
- Kazakhstan – 147,404
New Energy Vehicles Lead Growth
China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) exports maintained strong momentum. In September 2025 alone, NEV exports hit 300,000 units, a 66% surge year-on-year. For the first three quarters, total NEV exports reached 2.32 million units, up 52% year-on-year.
Europe remained the core market for Chinese electric vehicles, with Belgium and the United Kingdom emerging as the top buyers. Meanwhile, the Middle East showed remarkable growth, becoming one of the fastest-expanding regions for Chinese EVs.
The top ten export destinations for Chinese NEVs in January–September 2025 were:
- Belgium – 223,532 units
- Philippines – 153,386
- United Kingdom – 153,265
- Brazil – 141,317
- Mexico – 131,863
- Australia – 109,115
- Thailand – 97,319
- United Arab Emirates – 92,784
- Indonesia – 76,843
- India – 74,998
Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles Drive Growth
Industry analysts note that China’s NEV export performance exceeded expectations in 2025, with plug-in hybrid and hybrid models replacing pure electric vehicles as the main growth drivers. Notably, plug-in hybrid pickup trucks performed particularly well, emerging as a new highlight in the country’s commercial NEV exports.