Cui Dongshu: China's auto exports up 53% in first 8 months of 2026, leading high-quality export growth
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According to an analysis by Cui Dongshu published on Jin10 Data on September 19, China's merchandise trade exports showed strong growth in the first eight months of 2026, reaching $2.9255 trillion, up 19% year-on-year. August exports hit a record $401.4 billion. Automobile exports were a key driver, reaching $129.1 billion in January–August 2026, up 53%, with August exports at $18.3 billion, up 43%. Auto parts exports totaled $69.8 billion, up 8%, but Cui noted significant pressure on this segment. Motorcycle exports reached $15.5 billion, up 26%, with electric motorcycle exports surging while fuel-powered models slowed due to high oil prices. Cui Dongshu emphasized the need for China's auto industry to align development with independent Chinese vehicle manufacturers and reduce reliance on after-sales service systems dominated by Europe and the United States, framing the sector as a driver of high-quality export growth.
Source report
Jin10 Data, September 19 — The General Administration of Customs has released China's import and export data for the first eight months of 2026. The figures reveal strong performance in merchandise trade exports, with notable growth across several key sectors.
Overall Export Performance
- China's merchandise trade exports reached $2.9255 trillion in January–August 2026, up 19% year on year.
- August exports hit $401.4 billion, the highest level ever recorded for that month, indicating robust growth in China's export trade.
Automotive Sector
- Automobile exports totaled $129.1 billion in January–August 2026, up 53% year on year.
- August auto exports stood at $18.3 billion, up 43%, reflecting strong vitality in China's automotive sector.
Auto Parts Exports
- Auto parts exports reached $69.8 billion in January–August 2026, up 8%.
- August exports were $9.1 billion, up 7%, highlighting significant pressure on China's auto parts export performance.
Motorcycle Exports
- Motorcycle exports totaled $15.5 billion in January–August 2026, up 26%.
- August motorcycle exports were $2.1 billion, up 28% year on year.
- Fuel-powered motorcycle exports slowed due to high oil prices, while electric motorcycle exports surged.
Industry Insight
According to Cui Dongshu, it is essential to align development with independent Chinese vehicle manufacturers and shift away from reliance on after-sales service systems dominated by Europe and the United States.
Source
金十数据Eastern
Part of this Story
China's auto exports surge 51% to 7.45 million units in Jan–Aug 2026, driven by NEVs