China shipped 6.41 million vehicles worldwide in 2024—a 23% year‑on‑year increase—reinforcing its role as the top global auto exporter. Electric vehicles alone accounted for 1.2 million exports (32% of the total), driven by competitive pricing and robust supply chains. B2B importers must navigate evolving regulations, logistics bottlenecks, and partner selection to capitalize on this market. Below, industry experts share key strategies, and Figure 1 illustrates the rapid growth of used‑car exports over the past six years.

Global Export Trends and Market Dynamics
Rapid Growth of EV and Used‑Car Exports
China’s EV exports soared to 1.2 million units in 2023, up from 450 k in 2022 and 270 k in 2021 . Used‑car exports jumped from 270 k in 2021 to 937 k in 2023, reflecting rising global demand for affordable quality .

Emerging Destination Markets
Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa now account for over 55% of Chinese auto exports, as these regions seek cost‑effective mobility solutions.

Common categories of vehicles imported from China include:

1. Conventional passenger and commercial vehicles, such as sedans, SUVs, and trucks. 
2. Premium luxury models from high‑end brands like Mercedes‑Benz, BMW, and Audi. 
3. New energy vehicles, covering both battery‑electric and plug‑in hybrid cars that often benefit from preferential tariffs or subsidies. 

Special‑purpose vehicles designed for specific tasks, including construction machinery, fire engines, ambulances, buses, and excavators.

Regulatory Landscape: Compliance is Key
Import regulations vary significantly. For example, Russia imposed new recycling fees in early 2024, adding €500–€2,000 per vehicle . Meanwhile, Canada’s 100% tariff on Chinese EVs came into effect in August 2024 to counter perceived state subsidies .

Elena Petrova, Customs Broker (Eurasian Markets):
“Importers must partner with exporters who proactively manage all regulatory filings, from export licenses to CE certifications, to avoid costly delays.”

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Logistics & Supply‑Chain Considerations
Port Congestion and Container Shortages
Some Chinese EVs have been stranded in European ports for 12–18 months due to storage backlogs and container imbalances .

Li Wei, Logistics Consultant (Sino‑European Trade):
“Ensure your exporter has multiple routing options—container lines, RO‑RO, and rail—to mitigate single‑route disruptions.”

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Choosing the Right Export Partner
Factors to evaluate:

Track Record & Volume: Look for exporters handling >100,000 units/year.

End‑to‑End Services: Sourcing, inspection, documentation, shipping, and after‑sales.

Local Presence: Overseas warehouses in key markets reduce lead times.

John Smith, GM, SinoAuto Logistics:
“An ideal partner integrates customs brokerage, logistics, and local support to offer seamless delivery in your region.”

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Payment Methods & Risk Mitigation
Secure options include:

Letter of Credit (L/C): Guarantees payment upon document compliance .

Telegraphic Transfer (T/T): Widely used for reliability and traceability.

Escrow Services: Funds released upon delivery confirmation.

Implement trade credit insurance and clear contractual terms to further minimize risk.