China exported over one million cars in June setting a new recordREAD MORE: Chinese cars will soon take over Britain's roads, experts predict See more This is Money on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy FREDA LEWIS-STEMPEL, SENIOR MOTORING REPORTER Updated: 07:01 BST, 15 July 2026
China's monthly car exports have exceeded 1 million units for the first time ever.In June, China exported a record 1.037 million vehicles, according to the latest data released by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM).This represents an 11.6 per cent increase month-on-month and a 75.1 per cent rise year-on-year.As such, the car-producing powerhouse is on track to export more than 10 million vehicles this year, up from 7.1 million in 2025. It would more than double the 4.9 million vehicles exported in 2023.The performance has far exceeded industry expectations, with electrified vehicles - including conventional hybrids, plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles - accounting for more than 50 per cent of total monthly exports.It follows China surpassing Germany and Japan in 2025 to become the world's leading automotive exporter. In June, China exported a record 1.037 million vehicles, according to the latest data released by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) In the first half of 2026, China's total vehicle exports reached 5.096 million units, a year-on-year increase of 65.3 per cent.CAAM predicted at the beginning of the year that total exports for 2026 would reach 7.4 million units. That would have represented growth of 4.3 per cent - far below the level now expected.Electrified vehicles represented the biggest shift, with June exports of EVs and hybrids reaching 523,000 units - a 1.6-fold increase year-on-year.In June, one in every two vehicles exported from China had a battery and electric motors, while first-half EV and hybrid exports totalled 2.355 million units.This was up 1.2 times year-on-year and accounted for 46.2 per cent of total vehicle exports.However, China remains cautious about future growth, projecting a more modest second half of the year and pointing to EU tariffs and other measures aimed at Chinese EV manufacturers as potential headwinds. In June, one in every two vehicles exported from China was fully electric or hybrid, while 'electrified' car exports totalled 2.355 million units Why China's car exports continue to growThe success has been attributed to several factors by Cui Dongshu, secretary-general of the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA).Among these is China's dominance of the electric and hybrid supply chain, its rapid introduction of new technologies such as ultra-fast charging systems, and growing demand from markets including Russia.The supply-chain advantage is particularly significant as it highlights China's growing dominance in battery and electronics production.China is able to reap the benefits of manufacturing batteries, motors and electronic control systems domestically. This helps keep production costs down and allows Chinese manufacturers to offer competitively priced vehicles in global markets.On the manufacturing front, Chinese carmakers are moving into gaps left by some European and Japanese legacy brands that have been slower to transition to electrification.The ability to offer ultra-rapid charging technology, such as BYD's Flash Charging system - which can add hundreds of miles of range in around five minutes, bringing charging times closer to conventional refuelling - also gives Chinese brands an advantage over many traditional automotive giants, including Volkswagen and other established manufacturers.
