Analysis of the Current Export Situation and Future Development Trends of Automotive Parts in China

I. Current Export Situation: Scale Expansion and Structural Optimization

Continuous Growth in Export Scale

In 2024, China's automotive parts exports amounted to USD 87.03 billion, marking a year-on-year increase of 5.7%. From January to April 2025, cumulative exports reached USD 31 billion, with a year-on-year growth of 4.8%. With the robust global demand for new energy vehicles (NEVs) and their components, NEV parts have emerged as a core growth area, with a significant increase in the export share of the "three-electric" systems (batteries, motors, and electronic controls).

Diversified Market Distribution

• ‌Asian Market‌: Accounting for 35% of total exports, leveraging geographical advantages and technical cooperation, emerging markets such as Southeast Asian countries demonstrate strong demand.
• ‌European and American Markets‌: North America accounts for 25% of global automotive parts demand, with China's cost-effective products performing prominently in the DIY repair market. In Europe, driven by new energy policies, there is a surge in demand for technology-intensive components such as fast-charging modules.
• ‌Latin American Market‌: There is a huge demand for repair parts, with Chinese products occupying a major share due to their price advantage. Another factor is that trade frictions with the United States have intensified Chinese suppliers' efforts to explore markets in other regions and countries.

Competitive Landscape and Challenges

Domestic enterprises face technological suppression from international giants, leading to a reliance on imports for high-end markets. Therefore, there is a need to further enhance their technological capabilities and levels.
Trade barriers, such as the EU's R155 cybersecurity regulations and the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act imposing tariffs, are forcing enterprises to shift towards localized production.

II. Future Trends: Technology-Driven and Mode Innovation

Transition to New Energy and Intelligence

It is estimated that by 2030, the global penetration rate of NEVs will exceed 50%, with Chinese battery technology (e.g., CATL's semi-solid-state batteries) expected to dominate the international market.
The localization of intelligent driving components (lidar, domain controllers) is accelerating, with companies such as Changan Automobile planning to export L4-level autonomous driving technology by 2028.

Reconstruction of Global Supply Chains

Enterprises are establishing factories overseas to circumvent tariffs, such as Geely in Malaysia and Chery in Spain, but face challenges such as inadequate industrial chain support in Southeast Asia.
The penetration rate of cross-border e-commerce is increasing, with online sales of automotive parts in North America growing at a rate of 12%, and the future proportion is expected to exceed 20%.

Policy and Market Synergy

Domestic policies support technological breakthroughs, such as the "BeiDou TianShu 2.0" plan promoting the research and development of intelligent components.
Alignment with international standards has become crucial, necessitating enhanced compliance capabilities with the EU Battery Passport, U.S. FMVSS, etc.

III. Conclusion and Suggestions

China's automotive parts exports need to transition from relying solely on "cost advantages" to a dual-drive model of "technology + service". By pursuing localized production, technological cooperation, and brand building, China can consolidate its position in the global supply chain.