Key facts
- Chinese car exports to the EU surpassed 1 million units in 2025.
- The number of cars imported by the EU from China increased by 30.7% in 2025.
- China-made cars now hold a 7% share of the EU market, up from 5% in 2022.
- EU car exports to China decreased by 43% in 2025.
- The UK has become a key market for Chinese automakers, with BYD seeing significant sales growth.
Chinese car exports to the European Union surpassed the 1 million mark for the first time in 2025, a significant milestone indicating a major shift in the global automotive market. Imports from China surged by 30.7% to 1,006,188 units, increasing their market share in the EU to 7% from 5% in 2022. This growth occurs despite the European Commission's announcement of additional import tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (BEVs) in July 2024, intended to counter perceived unfair state subsidies.
The UK has become a crucial battleground for Chinese automakers, with BYD's sales in the country surging tenfold in September and making it their biggest market outside China. Other Chinese brands like Chery's Omoda and Jaecoo, and SAIC's MG, are also making significant inroads. Volvo and Polestar, controlled by China's Geely, are also present. The UK's open market policy, driven partly by carbon dioxide reduction targets, has facilitated this expansion, with the government refraining from imposing new tariffs.
In contrast, EU electric car tariffs range from 17% to 38%, though hybrids are not included, creating an incentive for Chinese manufacturers to sell vehicles with higher emissions. Meanwhile, EU car exports to China saw a substantial drop of 43% in 2025, highlighting a growing trade imbalance. The value of China's car exports to the EU reached 13.72 billion euros in 2025.