​​China’s Auto Export Landscape: From Mexico to UAE, A Quiet Transformation!​​

I. Overall Export Volume Overview​​
According to data released by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) on April 11, China’s auto exports reached ​​507,000 units​​ in March 2025, marking a ​​14.9% month-on-month increase​​ and a ​​1% year-on-year growth​​.

• ​​Quarterly data​​: In Q1 2025, exports totaled ​​1.42 million units​​, up ​​7.3% year-on-year​​.
• ​​Growth slowdown​​: Compared to the high-growth period (e.g., 57.8% YoY growth in 2023), the pace has decelerated significantly. Since May 2023, YoY growth has gradually narrowed, dropping to single digits in Q1 2025.

​​II. Performance by Powertrain Type​​
① ​​New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) Dominate Growth​​

• March NEV exports: ​​158,000 units​​ (+20.1% MoM, +26.8% YoY).
• Q1 NEV exports: ​​441,000 units​​, surging ​​43.9% YoY​​, accounting for ​​36.6% of total exports​​ (up 5 percentage points YoY).
• ​​BYD leads​​: Exported ​​66,000 units​​ in March (+73.92% YoY), ranking first among Chinese brands.
  Strengths: Advanced R&D (e.g., blade battery technology), cost efficiency, and global product layout.

② ​​Traditional Fuel Vehicles Decline​​

• March fuel vehicle exports: ​​349,000 units​​ (+12.7% MoM, -7.5% YoY).
• Q1 fuel exports: ​​978,000 units​​ (-3.7% YoY).
  Challenges: Global shift to EVs, competition from established Western/Japanese brands, and limited brand appeal.

​​III. Brand Performance​​
① ​​Domestic Brands Excel​​

• March domestic exports: ​​340,000 units​​ (+1% YoY, +10% MoM).
• ​​Chery​​ leads with ​​254,000 units​​ (+0.1% YoY), capturing ​​17.9%​​ of total exports.
  Strategy: Competitive SUV models (e.g., Tiggo series) and affordability.

② ​​Joint Ventures & Luxury Brands Struggle​​

• March JV/luxury exports: ​​47,000 units​​ (-45% YoY).
  Issues: Outdated product cycles for JVs; high pricing and competition for luxury brands (e.g., Mercedes, Toyota) in emerging markets.

​​IV. Market Shifts​​
① ​​Russia’s Volatility​​

• ​​2024​​: Russia was China’s top export market (​​1.16 million units​​, 18.1% of total).
• ​​2025​​: Fell to ​​3rd place​​ (after Mexico and UAE). Jan-Feb 2025 exports to Russia dropped ​​55,000 units​​ (-14.3% MoM).
  Causes: Russia’s tax hikes, Kazakhstan transit limitations, and weakening domestic demand.

② ​​Emerging Opportunities​​

• ​​UAE​​: Jan-Feb 2025 exports surged by ​​38,703 units​​ (+43% YoY).
• ​​Mexico​​: Growth of ​​20,163 units​​ (+32% YoY).
• ​​Saudi Arabia​​: Rising demand for affordable EVs and SUVs.
  Challenges: Competition from Japanese/Korean brands and infrastructure gaps.

​​V. Summary & Outlook​​

• ​​Growth moderation​​: Slower pace reflects global market saturation and trade barriers.
• ​​NEV leadership​​: BYD and other domestic brands leverage tech advantages to capture global share.
• ​​Market diversification​​: Shift toward Middle East, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.
• ​​Risks​​: Geopolitical tensions (e.g., Russia), tariff hikes, and evolving consumer preferences.