China’s Auto Exports Surge: First Half of 2026 Marks a Historic Milestone

China’s automotive export sector has achieved an unprecedented milestone in the first half of 2026. According to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), the country exported a total of 5.096 million vehicles from January to June, representing a robust year-on-year growth of 65.3%. This marks the first time China’s semi-annual auto export volume has surpassed the 5-million mark. The momentum is particularly strong in the new energy vehicle (NEV) segment, which saw exports reach 2.355 million units, more than doubling compared to the same period last year. In June alone, monthly exports broke the 1-million barrier for the first time. This explosive growth underscores China’s rising global competitiveness and the increasing international demand for its vehicles, with export now serving as a primary engine for the industry’s overall growth.