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News from ECG
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.
European Region as a destination for Vehicles including NEVs from China
Europe has seen high volumes of new finished vehicles from China with the UK leading with 111K units exported in Q1 2026. The second top European destination for new vehicles from China is Belgium, to which 85K were exported in Q1, followed by Italy with 75K. The fourth main European destination for new vehicles from China is Spain with 58K, followed by Germany with 46K. Türkiye is sixth with 27K, while Poland was sent 23K and France 21K.
The data from the Chinese customs released a few days ago and which is now widely quoted across Chinese media, highlights that countries within the European region have significantly contributed to the rise in both new energy vehicle exports, as well as the increase in lithium-ion battery exports.
In the first quarter of the year, a total of 80,634 new energy vehicles were exported to Belgium while 76,493 NEV units were exported to the UK. Italy follows with 43,702 NEV units, while 40,745 units of NEVs were exported to Germany and Spain was sent 32,331 units in the quarter.
In Europe, the largest increases in NEV volumes compared to the same period a year ago, were led by the UK (+43,759) followed by Italy (+36,740), Germany (+31,805).
Therefore 94% of the volume exported from China to Belgium in Q1 2026 was NEVs, while NEVs only accounted for 69% of the volume exported to the UK.
NEVs include battery electric (EV) and plug in hybrid vehicles (PHEV).
ECG Members can access the full report here.