China’s EV exports grow by 19% in the first five months of 2025 and reshape global markets. The huge boost comes from brands like Chery, MG, and Geely.
Overall, China exported over 839,000 EVs.
What Caused This 19% Growth?
China’s electric vehicle shipments rose 19% year-over-year between January and May 2025, driven by strong performance from Chery, MG, Geely, BYD, Haval, and others. Source
Now, let’s dive deeper and explore what’s behind this surge, why it matters globally—especially for markets like the UAE—and what’s ahead for China’s EV strategy.
Leading Chinese EV Brands
China’s General Administration of Customs reports a 19% jump in EV exports through May 2025. Let’s break it down:
- Chery: Top exporter with ~250,800 units.
- MG (SAIC-owned): Around 168,700 units.
- Geely: Nearly 160,900—up an impressive 103% year-over-year, mostly bound for Europe.
- BYD: Carried about 159,300, though many were plug-in hybrids.
- Haval: Exported 90,700 vehicles, with a strong 80%+ YoY growth.
- Others: Including Changan, Roewe, Jetour, Trumpchi, and JAC.
These brands are making waves, from budget models to high-end EVs. Geely’s 103% growth shows how fast Chinese EVs are expanding globally.
Also Read: Best Chinese Car Brands to Buy in the UAE
Why Are Chinese EV Exports Growing?
- High Global Demand: Climate policies push many countries toward EVs.
- Competitive Pricing: Chinese EVs often cost 20–30% less than rivals.
- Tech & Quality: Improvements in battery, range, and safety features.
- Export Strategy: Local production or tariff-free exporting in regions like the EU. Source
- Strong Brands: Companies like BYD lead in innovation and volume.
These factors help explain China’s growing EV influence.
3. What This Means for Global Markets
China’s expanding EV exports are shifting global auto markets:
- UAE & GCC: More options from Chinese manufacturers give buyers affordable, tech-packed EVs. Brands such as BYD, Chery, and Jetour are already gaining traction.
- Europe: Geely and MG target this market with competitively priced EVs. BYD’s “God’s Eye” ADAS system boosts appeal.
- Tariffs & Trade: While the EU and the US have tariffs, Chinese firms are building overseas plants to bypass these limits.
4. The UAE & GCC Impact
Chinese EV growth isn’t just global—it’s local too:
- UAE showrooms feature more Chinese EVs offering tech-rich features at affordable prices.
- GCC buyers now benefit from strong warranties and easy access to replacement parts.
- These launches could steer price and quality competition, pushing traditional brands to match EV and hybrid offerings.
See More: Everything You Need to Know About GCC Specs Cars in the UAE
5. Challenges & Headwinds
Amid growth, challenges emerge:
- Tariffs: The EU has anti-subsidy tariffs on Chinese BEVs.
- Export Controls: China has added export restrictions on EV battery tech.
- Domestic Competition: Chinese automakers face fierce competition at home.
China is addressing these by building overseas plants, diversifying export models (BEV + PHEV), and protecting key technologies.
7. Global EV Market Context
To understand China’s dominance, consider:
- Global EV sales reached ~9.1 million in H1 2025—up 28% YoY.
- China alone accounted for over 5.5 million of those, a 32% increase.
- Global snapshot: Europe sold ~2 million EVs in Q1 2025; the US saw slower growth (~10% EV share).
China is the clear leader in production and exports.
Conclusion
China’s EV exports grew 19% in early 2025. With brands like Chery, MG, Geely, and BYD leading the surge, global markets—from the UAE to Europe—feel the ripple effects.
These exports mean more affordable EVs, advanced tech, and broader choices for buyers. Expect China’s EV influence to grow further, as strategies, tariffs, and trade shape auto markets worldwide.
