China's Electric Vehicle Exports Plummet Significantly Despite High Demand from Its Neighbor, America | Carscoops

      Exports of electric vehicles (EVs) from China have experienced a significant decline, falling by 18 percent overall, with some markets witnessing drops as severe as 50 percent.

      China's efforts to export automobiles have encountered obstacles, as indicated by new data.

      According to Bloomberg, EV exports have decreased by 18 percent worldwide. Sales to Spain and Korea saw a 50 percent reduction, while exports to Belgium dropped by 41 percent.

      The previously unstoppable growth of Chinese EV exports appears to be losing momentum. For Western automakers concerned about the increasing competition from a developing Chinese market, this news may come as a relief. Exports of EVs from China have diminished by nearly one-fifth.

      In February, the total number of electric vehicles exported from China fell by 18 percent to 92,625 compared to the same month in 2024, based on data analyzed by Bloomberg from China Customs.

      Several factors contribute to this decline, including tariffs on Chinese imports in Europe, the removal of government incentives, an increase in demand for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and a decrease in Tesla sales, attributed to consumers awaiting the updated Model Y and some distancing themselves from CEO Elon Musk.

      A More Severe Decline in Major Markets

      The overall decline of 18 percent masks even more concerning drops in demand in key markets. For instance, Thailand's 17 percent decrease to 6,252 units aligns with the total reduction, but some countries saw their imports from China cut in half. Notably, many of these exports consist of Chinese-manufactured EVs sold under Western brands.

      Bloomberg reports that exports to Korea fell by a staggering 51 percent to 3,151 units, while exports to Spain dropped nearly as dramatically, down by 49 percent to 2,664 units. Although Belgium’s demand dip was less severe in percentage terms, it is more alarming given the country’s significance in China’s export strategy, representing 10,105 of the total 92,625 vehicles exported in February.

      Export Data by Country

      Exports to the UAE also reflect a concerning trend, with a 20 percent decline to 3,231 units. However, there were some positive outcomes for Chinese EVs, as exports to the UK only fell a modest 2.9 percent to 8,362 units, and the Philippines saw a minimal decrease of 0.9 percent to 8,225 units.

      Certain countries even posted substantial increases in imports. Indonesia's imports rose by 79 percent, Turkiye's by 131 percent, and Mexico's surged by 623 percent—though this only accounted for 7,847 units, still placing it behind Belgium, the UK, and the Philippines.

      Examining the data regionally indicates that exports have generally declined across all areas except Africa, which has a minor share, comprising only one out of every 73 Chinese exports—so enthusiasm should be tempered. Asia remains the primary destination for Chinese EV exports, accounting for half of all exports, with a modest decrease of only 2.7 percent. However, in Europe, which imports nearly a third of the total, exports fell by 30 percent, a sharp increase from a 14 percent decline in January.