China Carmakers Accelerate Overseas Push as Domestic Growth Slows

At the Zhujiaqiao port area of Wuhu Port, operated by Anhui Port Group, large numbers of vehicles, including Chery models, are lined up for export. Photo: VCG

Major Chinese carmakers are setting ambitious overseas sales and localized production targets for 2026 to offset a cooling domestic market.

Hong Kong-listed Chery Automobile Co. Ltd., the country’s top auto exporter, aims to ship more than 1.5 million vehicles overseas in 2026. The company saw its 2025 exports jump 33.2% year on year to 1.3 million units. Overseas markets accounted for 49.2% of its sales volume and 52.4% of its revenue last year, driving its profit growth as domestic vehicle retail sales rose by just 1%. Chery currently operates 10 manufacturing plants in countries including Spain and Brazil.