China exports May 2026: Chery and BYD dominate

Chery has been the biggest Chinese exporter for the past 23 years.

This is a new Chinese update on BSCB. As we detailed in our May 2026 wholesales report, Passenger Vehicle exports surge 75.1% year-on-year in May to 784,000 units in May, accounting for 35% of total wholesales vs. just 19% in May 2025. NEVs accounted for 54% of total PV imports, up from 45% a year ago thanks to volumes up 112.6% to 424,000 units. Exports by domestic brands soar 83% to 682,000.

Let’s now explore which OEMs have been the most dynamic export-wise. No surprise on top: Chery Auto, which has been China’s biggest exporter since 2003, leads the way with just under 180,000 units, representing almost 23% of all made-in-China exported passenger vehicles. However BYD Auto is nipping at its heels with 156,000 units and close to 20% of exports. Geely Auto takes the third spot with 10.7% share, ahead of SAIC at 9.3% and Great Wall Motor at 5.8%. Tesla China ranks 6th. Notice also Leapmotor at #9, Beijing Hyundai at #13 and Changan Ford at #19.

Full May 2026 Top 20 China-made OEM exports below.