2026 China’s Auto Export Boom: April Shipments Hit 900,000 Units, EVs Surpass Gasoline Cars for the First Time

China’s auto exports continue to shatter records in 2026. Data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) shows that exports reached 901,000 units in April, a 74.4% year-on-year surge. In the first four months of the year, cumulative exports hit 3.127 million units, up 61.5% YoY, solidifying China’s position as the world’s top auto exporter. Notably, new energy vehicle (NEV) exports reached 430,000 units, doubling YoY, and accounted for more than 50% of total exports for the first time ever. China’s auto industry is accelerating its global expansion, driven by both NEVs and gasoline-powered vehicles.

1. Export Volume Explodes, Major Ports Set New Records

1.1 Overall Export Growth

In Q1 2026, China exported 2.312 million vehicles, up 40.9% YoY. NEV exports alone reached 954,000 units, a 116.3% YoY increase, representing 41.2% of total exports. April’s data marks a turning point: NEV passenger car exports hit 406,000 units, up 111.8% YoY, accounting for 52.7% of total passenger car exports, signaling the start of the “NEV-led” era for China’s auto exports.

1.2 Port Capacity Expansion Breaks Records

1. Shanghai Port: On May 4, the world’s first 10,800-unit pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) “Groveshi Pioneer” made its maiden voyage, loading over 3,700 Chinese passenger vehicles – a new global PCTC record.
2. Xiamen Port: On May 5, the “Viking Mediterranean” loaded 3,250 Chinese NEVs bound for Brazil, setting a new record for single-voyage NEV exports.
3. Taicang Port: Handled 280,000 vehicles in Q1, up over 90% YoY, accounting for 1/8 of China’s total auto exports.
4. Fuzhou Port: Exceeded 20,000 vehicles in the first four months, surpassing its full-year 2025 volume. 

2. Market Structure Shifts: NEVs Lead, Gasoline Cars Remain Strong, Used Cars Enter a New Era

2.1 NEVs Gain Global Traction

China’s NEVs, with advantages in smart driving, connected cockpits, and electrification, are rapidly expanding their global footprint. In Q1 2026, China’s NEV passenger cars held a 61% global market share, dominating the sector. Top export destinations include Brazil, Belgium, the UK, the UAE, and Italy, with Brazil emerging as the largest single market.

2.2 Gasoline Cars Hold Steady in Emerging Markets

Despite NEV’s explosive growth, gasoline-powered vehicles remain resilient, accounting for 47.3% of April exports. Markets in Russia, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia show strong demand for cost-effective gasoline cars. Pickup truck exports also performed well, reaching 113,000 units in the first four months, up 34% YoY.

2.3 New Used Car Export Regulations Boost Industry Standards

2026 marks a golden era for China’s auto exports, with a dual-track growth model of NEVs and gasoline cars, supported by both new and used car exports. At CarX Global, we are committed to seizing these opportunities, leveraging our global showroom network, professional compliance team, and reliable logistics partnerships to deliver quality vehicles and one-stop services to our international clients.