China’s New Energy Vehicle Exports Double in January, Reaching 302,000 Units

China’s Auto Industry Starts 2026 with Strong Export Growth

BEIJING, February 11, 2026 — China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) exports hit 302,000 units in January, a 100 % year-on-year increase, according to data released by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) on Tuesday.

Despite seasonal fluctuations and market adjustments, the report shows the automotive industry maintained overall stability, with exports and NEV production continuing to grow steadily.

Industry Overview: Production and Sales

According to CAAM, China’s total automobile production and sales reached 2.45 million and 2.346 million units respectively in January 2026.

• Production: Up 0.01 % year-on-year.
• Sales: Down 3.2 % year-on-year.

Meanwhile, total vehicle exports reached 681,000 units, up 44.9 % compared with the same month last year, though down 9.5 % month-on-month.

Within this total, new energy vehicles accounted for 302,000 units exported, representing a doubling in export volume from January 2025 and a 0.5 % increase from December 2025.

Industry Perspective

In January, China’s auto sector remained broadly stable. Passenger car sales softened slightly, but commercial vehicle demand continued improving, and NEV exports maintained strong growth momentum.

Chen Shihua, Deputy Secretary-General, China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM)

Chen added that the January market decline was influenced by several factors — including tax policy transitions, local subsidy adjustments, and early release of purchasing demand in late 2025.

NEVs Continue to Lead Market Share

In January 2026, China produced 1.041 million and sold 945,000 NEVs, representing year-on-year increases of 2.5 % and 0.1 %, respectively.

NEVs accounted for 40.3 % of total new car sales, maintaining their dominant role in the domestic automotive market.

Key Figures at a Glance

• NEV exports: 302,000 units (▲ 100 % YoY, ▲ 0.5 % MoM)
• Total auto exports: 681,000 units (▲ 44.9 % YoY, ▼ 9.5 % MoM)
• Auto production: 2.45 million units (▲ 0.01 % YoY)
• Auto sales: 2.346 million units (▼ 3.2 % YoY)
• NEV sales share: 40.3 % of all new vehicles

Policy Context and Outlook

Chen Shihua noted that the start of 2026 brought a series of new national policies aimed at supporting consumers and enterprises.

Key initiatives include:

• The “Two-New” policy framework, ensuring smooth continuation of subsidy mechanisms.
• The “Action Plan for Expanding Service Consumption Growth Points”, focusing on after-sales automotive services and related consumption fields.

As these supportive measures are implemented, market demand is expected to stabilize and recover, ensuring steady operation of the automotive industry,

Chen Shihua, CAAM

These policies are anticipated to stimulate consumer confidence and sustain the auto sector’s growth trajectory through 2026.

Source: https://www.chinanews.com.cn/cj/2026/02-11/10570440.shtml?utm_source=chatgpt.com