Chinese carmakers sold more than 2.6 million electric vehicles to overseas markets last year, up 104 percent from the previous year, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. As the world's leading EV producer, China benefits from low production costs and advanced battery technologies that make its vehicles highly competitive globally. Yet, export growth is now facing a slowdown.
The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) reported on Wednesday that Chinese carmakers exported more than 2.6 million electric vehicles to overseas markets in 2025, marking a 104 percent increase from the previous year. This surge is attributed to China's advantages in low production costs and advanced battery technologies.
"China has gained an advantage through low production costs and advanced battery technologies, making its EVs highly competitive globally," said Gary Ng Cheuk-yan, a senior economist at Natixis Corporate and Investment Bank.
David Zhang, general secretary of the Shanghai-based International Intelligent Vehicle Engineering Association, explained that the cost advantages stem from China's dominant supply chain, noting that European carmakers also rely on Chinese exports of components like batteries.
Although exports doubled in 2025, Chinese EV makers are now confronting a slowdown in growth. This may relate to international trade barriers, though specifics are not detailed in the data. Markets such as the European Union, the US, and Germany, mentioned in related keywords, could play a role.
This situation highlights the opportunities and challenges for China's EV industry in its global expansion.