In the Q1 period, Europe is the top export region for new finished vehicles from China, accounting for 21% or 490K. Central & Southern America follow accounting for 20% of total new vehicle exports in the quarter, while Russia &Central Asia account for 15% and the Middle East 12%.
In the first three months of 2026, the top destination for new finished vehicle exports from China is Russia with 193,000 units. In second place is Brazil with 173,000 units, and in third is the UAE with 113,000 units that officially left China bound for this destination.
In fourth place is the United Kingdom with 111K, in fifth is Mexico with 89K, in sixth is Belgium with 85K, in seventh is Australia with 75K while Italy is eight also with 75K, Saudi Arabia is ninth with 64K while Algeria comes in tenth with 60K just beating Spain which has 58K units exported in the first quarter 2026.
So while the volumes highlight the 30+ countries that new vehicles from China are destined for, the actual story of what has reached the destinations varies and this is due to the current and ongoing situation in the Strait of Hormuz. The situation has significantly affected volumes destined for fast growth regions in the Middle East.
Chinese authorities state that while exports in the first quarter have significantly rebounded to destinations such as Russia, volume exports to the UAE are down by 89% while volumes to Saudi Arabia are down 47% in the quarter. (....)