November 12, 2026. China exported 928,000 passenger cars in October, up 68.5 % from a year earlier, while domestic retail sales fell 27.1 % to 1.643 million units, according to the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA). Exports made up 35 % of passenger car makers' sales.
7.9 million cars shipped this year
Caixin Global reports that China exported 7.9 million passenger cars in the first ten months, up 74.6 %, while cumulative domestic sales fell 22.3 % to about 15 million. Chinanews says Chinese brands exported 810,000 units in October (+77 %) and joint-venture and luxury brands 118,000 (+28 %). The CPCA summed it up as "exports overtaking domestic demand," which it says is stabilizing wholesale volumes and automaker profits.
New energy vehicles lead
New energy vehicles, which in China include battery electrics and plug-in hybrids, reached a record 67.5 % of retail sales and 67.3 % of wholesale. They were 62.8 % of October exports, about 20 points more than a year ago. The CPCA warns that part of the export push came from front-loaded shipments with uncertain continuity; Caixin Global cites lower export tax rebates and restrictions on hybrid shipments to Europe. For November, the CPCA expects a moderate monthly recovery at home and a smaller annual decline.
Our take
Falling domestic demand and export-focused factories usually mean suppliers more willing to serve mid-size orders of auto parts, accessories, workshop equipment and EV chargers. Since January 1, 2026, Mexico applies tariffs of up to 50 % on vehicles from China and other countries without a trade agreement, according to Mexico News Daily, so each tariff line needs checking.
- Compare factories and request technical sheets through product sourcing.
- Check import requirements and tariffs for each part in your market.
- Book a product inspection, especially for safety and electrical parts.
