China’s NEV Exports Soar 89% as BYD Drives Global Expansion
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The NEV boom drove China’s total vehicle exports to 4.95 million units in the January–September period, a 14.8% increase from the previous yea
China’s exports of new-energy vehicles (NEVs) surged 89.4% year-on-year to 1.76 million units in the first nine months of 2025, with BYD Co. Ltd. accounting for nearly 40% of total outbound shipments.
BYD, which produces only NEVs, has rapidly expanded its global footprint. The company’s overseas sales soared 130% to 705,000 units over the same period, lifting it from the sixth- to second-largest Chinese auto exporter, according to data released Tuesday by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.
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- China’s NEV exports rose 89.4% year-on-year to 1.76 million units in the first nine months of 2025, with BYD accounting for nearly 40%.
- Domestic overcapacity has pushed automakers to expand abroad, with new export licensing rules for electric vehicles set to begin in January 2026.
- Chery led overall vehicle exports with 936,000 units, while BYD rapidly climbed to second place among Chinese exporters.
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Who’s Who
- BYD Co. Ltd.
- BYD Co. Ltd. emerged as a major player in China's new-energy vehicle (NEV) exports, accounting for nearly 40% of total outbound shipments in the first nine months of 2025. Their overseas sales surged 130% to 705,000 units, making them the second-largest Chinese auto exporter. To navigate trade tensions and overcapacity, BYD is establishing overseas manufacturing plants in multiple countries, with facilities already operational in Thailand, Uzbekistan, and Brazil.
- Chery Automobile Co. Ltd.
- Chery Automobile Co. Ltd. was China's top auto exporter across all vehicle categories. In the first nine months of 2025, Chery shipped 936,000 vehicles, a 12.9% increase, making up 18.9% of China's total vehicle exports. In September alone, Chery exported 141,000 vehicles.
- SAIC Motor Corp. Ltd.
- SAIC Motor Corp. Ltd. was the second-largest Chinese auto exporter in September, shipping 91,000 units. This placed them behind Chery Automobile Co. Ltd. and ahead of BYD, indicating their significant presence in the global market.
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What Happened When
- 2025：
- BYD facilities in Thailand, Uzbekistan, and Brazil have begun operations.
- As of 2025：
- BYD is already building plants in Hungary, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Brazil, Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia.
- First nine months of 2025：
- China’s exports of new-energy vehicles (NEVs) surged 89.4% year-on-year to 1.76 million units, with BYD accounting for nearly 40%.
- First nine months of 2025：
- BYD’s overseas sales soared 130% to 705,000 units, moving the company from the sixth- to the second-largest Chinese auto exporter.
- First nine months of 2025：
- Chery exported 936,000 vehicles, maintaining its position as China’s top auto exporter.
- January–September 2025：
- China’s total vehicle exports reached 4.95 million units, a 14.8% increase year-on-year.
- September 2025：
- Chinese automakers shipped 652,000 vehicles abroad, a 21% year-on-year increase, including 222,000 NEVs (nearly double the previous year’s figure).
- September 2025：
- Chery exported 141,000 vehicles; SAIC exported 91,000; BYD exported 71,000.
- September 26, 2025：
- Four government agencies announced that China will roll out an export licensing system for pure-electric passenger cars.
- Tuesday, October 14, 2025：
- The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers released data on NEV and auto exports.
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