China's auto exports expected to surpass 10 million units in 2026

(ECNS) -- China's auto exports are expected to surpass 10 million units this year, industry insiders said recently at the 2026 Global New Energy Vehicle Cooperation and Development Forum (GNEV2026).

Jiang Yaoping, vice minister of Commerce of China, said reaching the 10-million-unit export milestone would represent a historic leap for the country's auto industry.

Data from the General Administration of Customs showed that China exported 6.399 million vehicles during January-July 2026, up 53.7% year on year, setting a new record.

Chinese brands are receiving unprecedented attention globally, an industry expert said, noting that Chinese automakers have performed well in major markets. In Europe, for example, their monthly market share has exceeded 11%.

However, Chinese automakers face an overlooked obstacle as they expand overseas. There are concerns in some destination markets that Chinese companies could displace local manufacturers and squeeze domestic supply chains.

An executive at a multinational auto parts company told a CB.COM reporter that localization should go beyond simply hiring local workers and sourcing components locally. Instead, he said that Chinese companies should strengthen the capabilities of local industries, enabling them to build more competitive industrial ecosystems. He added that partnering with or acquiring existing production capacity is a more practical and efficient way for Chinese automakers to achieve localized production.

Experts said China's auto industry should shift from "passively integrating into global markets" to "actively developing a global presence," while upgrading local industries.

Chinese automakers, they said, should bring the advanced capabilities they have developed in manufacturing, technology and management to overseas markets, while encouraging Chinese auto parts suppliers to expand abroad alongside them.

(By Gong Weiwei)