China’s automotive export sector demonstrated significant growth in October 2025, primarily driven by a surge in new-energy vehicle (NEV) shipments. Total vehicle exports reached 666,000 units, marking a 2.1% increase from September and a substantial 22.9% rise compared to October 2024. This marks the third consecutive month with exports exceeding 600,000 units, signaling sustained momentum in the industry.
Dominance of New-Energy Vehicles
The most striking aspect of the data is the explosive growth in NEV exports. Last month, 256,000 NEVs were shipped abroad, a 15.4% increase from September and nearly double the figure from October 2024. Year-on-year, NEV exports soared by an unprecedented 99.9%.
From January to October 2025, cumulative NEV exports reached 2,014,000 units – a 90.4% increase over the same period in 2024. This demonstrates a clear shift in China’s automotive export profile, with electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles rapidly becoming the dominant force.
Decline in Traditional Vehicle Exports
In contrast to the booming NEV sector, exports of traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles declined. October shipments totaled 409,000 units, down 4.8% month-on-month and 0.9% year-on-year. Over the first ten months of 2025, conventional vehicle exports reached 3,601,000 units, representing a 5.1% decrease from the previous year.
This divergence underscores a broader trend: as global demand shifts towards electrification, China’s automotive export strategy is adapting accordingly. The data reflects a deliberate push towards NEVs, aligning with both domestic policy and international market trends.
Broader Implications
The surge in NEV exports is not merely a statistical anomaly. It reflects several underlying factors:
- Rising Global Demand: Consumers and governments worldwide are increasingly adopting electric vehicles, driven by environmental concerns and incentives.
- Chinese Production Capacity: China has become a global hub for EV manufacturing, boasting advanced supply chains and competitive pricing.
- Policy Support: The Chinese government actively promotes EV adoption through subsidies, infrastructure development, and regulatory frameworks.
The combination of these factors positions China as a leading exporter of electrified vehicles, challenging established automotive powers and reshaping the global industry landscape.
Domestic Strength Fuels Export Growth
Strong domestic sales of NEVs have also contributed to export success. In October, NEV sales exceeded 50% of the total domestic market, demonstrating widespread consumer acceptance. This robust internal demand provides economies of scale and technological advancements that benefit export competitiveness.
Conclusion
China’s automotive export data for October 2025 paints a clear picture: the country is rapidly becoming a dominant force in the global electric vehicle market. The explosive growth in NEV exports, coupled with the decline in traditional vehicle shipments, highlights a decisive shift in the industry’s trajectory. This trend is poised to continue, reshaping international trade and solidifying China’s position as a leader in automotive innovation
