by JIA Lu

China's electric passenger vehicle exports rebounded sharply in April, with emerging markets such as Sri Lanka, Angola, Ecuador, Iraq and Lithuania posting the highest YoY growth rates. Exports to 91 countries and regions rose, signaling a shift away from traditional markets and toward a more diversified global footprint.

According to the April edition of the China Electric Passenger Vehicle Export Monthly Report, jointly published by Jiemian News and Sinoimex, a leading trade information provider, China's EV trade showed a striking "hot outbound, cool inbound" pattern. Imports of electric passenger vehicles declined in both volume and value, while exports strengthened despite a tightening global trade environment and rising tariffs. Backed by technological innovation and a broadening market layout, China's international EV competitiveness continued to expand.

The report covers both passenger cars—including battery electric, plug-in hybrid and non-plug-in hybrids—and buses with 10 seats or more, including battery electric and hybrid buses.

In April, total export value reached US$5.84 billion, up 38.36% month-on-month and 20.61% YoY, while export volume climbed to 308,000 units—an increase of 27.32% from March and 37.79% from a year earlier. However, the average export price per vehicle fell 12.47% YoY to US$18,957.29, reflecting a continued "volume over margin" strategy in a price-sensitive global market.

Passenger vehicles accounted for over 99% of China's electric vehicle exports in both volume and value terms. Total export value for passenger EVs rose 18.33% YoY to US$5.58 billion, with volume growing 37.58% to 306,500 units. All three technology types—pure electric, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid—recorded double-digit YoY price declines, with average prices dropping between 14% and 17%.

The bus segment showed a mixed picture. Pure electric bus exports surged 148.22% YoY to 1,467 units, while hybrid bus exports nearly vanished, with just two units sold overseas. Nonetheless, total bus export value doubled to US$254 million.

From January to April, China exported a total of 957,600 electric passenger vehicles, up 34.49% YoY. Cumulative export value reached US$17.47 billion, marking a 9.49% increase, while total import-export volume rose 3.98% to US$18.46 billion.

Regionally, emerging markets are becoming the new engine of growth. While Belgium, the UK and Brazil remained top destinations by value, all posted double-digit declines. Southeast Asia and the Middle East maintained YoY growth rates of over 50% for several consecutive months, while Africa showed strong momentum—with export value more than doubling YoY in April. Notably, China's EV exports reached 151 countries and regions in April alone, with Asia accounting for the largest share.

On the manufacturing front, export hubs are reshuffling. Shanghai reclaimed the top spot with US$3.65 billion in EV exports from January to April, despite a YoY drop of 29.83%. Shaanxi and Jiangsu followed, both more than doubling their export value. Provinces like Hunan and Fujian climbed into the top 10, while Sichuan and Chongqing dropped out.

April's data also reflected growing regional divergence. Ten provinces recorded negative YoY export growth, while others such as Gansu, Yunnan and Henan saw exports accelerate sharply.

Policy developments offered a modest tailwind. On April 10, the EU and China reached a tentative agreement to avoid additional tariffs on Chinese EVs, opting instead for a minimum pricing mechanism. A month later, on May 12, China and the US issued a joint statement committing to short-term tariff reductions, including a 90-day suspension of certain US tariffs on Chinese goods.

Despite ongoing uncertainty in global trade, Chinese EV makers are doubling down on overseas expansion through localized production, technical partnerships and diversified markets. BYD has launched multiple models in Romania and set up a European HQ in Hungary. Zeekr delivered its 7X model to several European markets and is evaluating privatization. Dongfeng's Voyah opened a flagship store in the UAE. Great Wall Motor and Changan are building production and R&D bases in Brazil and Thailand, respectively. Chery plans to establish a plant in the UK.

Meanwhile, logistics and supply chains are being reinforced. SAIC has launched the world's largest roll-on/roll-off vessel to boost export efficiency, while Tesla continues to rely on its China-based supply chain for global deliveries. Battery maker CATL deepened its partnership with Honda, and Geely spun off a new commercial vehicle subsidiary focused on methanol-hydrogen electric vehicles—a hybrid technology where methanol is reformed into hydrogen on board to power electric drivetrains. Zeekr, notably, has reported profits for three consecutive quarters.

As Chinese firms transition from pure vehicle exports to exporting entire value chains, the country's electric vehicle industry is entering a new phase of globalization—one that prioritizes local integration, technological independence and long-term competitiveness.

Refer to the full report in Chinese here.