The Chinese automobile industry has reached an export value of 798.39 billion yuan (about 96.9 billion euros) in the first ten months of 2025, according to data of the country’s General Customs Administration. It is about an increase of 14.3% compared to the same period of the previous year, and this is one more example of China being one of the main vehicle exporting powers in the world. And it is that besides Europethere are already other markets of great interest for the country.
A sector that drives foreign trade. While China’s total merchandise exports grew by 6.2% In this period, the automotive sector almost tripled that rate of expansion. Mechanical and electrical products accounted for more than 60% of the country’s exports, with automobiles and semiconductors as the main drivers of this growth. In October alone, vehicle exports rose 34% year-on-year.
The role of electric and hybrid. Behind these figures are brands such as BYD, SAIC and Chery, whose electrified models have conquered new markets in Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. Although the Customs Administration has not broken down the types of vehicles exported, sector data suggests that electric cars and plug-in hybrids are largely responsible for this boost. China is moving its production towards higher value-added segments, and the automobile is a key piece of that strategy.
Who buys Chinese cars. ASEAN (Southeast Asia) remains China’s largest trading partner, with a total trade volume of 6.18 trillion yuan (up 9.1%), according to the General Administration of Customs. The European Union followswith 4.88 trillion yuan and a growth of 4.9%. The figures once again highlight how emerging regions and traditional European markets continue to absorb a good part of Chinese automobile production, although with different dynamics.
The weight of private companies. Private Chinese companies have also played a determining role in this growth. According to the official dataaccounted for 21.28 trillion yuan in foreign trade (imports and exports combined) during the first ten months of the year, an increase of 7.2% year-on-year. And in addition to the companies that have state protection, there are also private companies that are experiencing great growth thanks to their international expansion.
Warning signs on the horizon. Despite the good time, October has marked a turning pointas China’s total exports fell 0.8% year-on-year, the first setback in several months. Some analysts attribute this decline to an already very high comparison base, since 2024 was a record year. Also to fewer working days due to holidays and, above all, to weaker demand from the West. In fact, trade with the United States fell 15.9% in the first ten months of the year, according to the same source.
What’s coming. Automobile exports are expected to close 2025 above 2024 levelsalthough probably at a more moderate pace. Demand from abroad is beginning to cool and trade restrictions in some markets, such as Europe, are tightening for China. Even so, the country’s automobile sector continues to demonstrate a capacity for growth greater than the rest of its manufacturing industry. It remains to be seen how long he can keep up the pace.
Cover image | Michael Fortsch
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