Used Car Exports Shift from Scale Race to Compliance Quality: Russia Nearly Doubles, NEV Share Exceeds 30%(Oct 13)

Used Car Exports Shift from Scale Race to Compliance Quality: Russia Nearly Doubles, NEV Share Exceeds 30%

Export Scale Surges

According to the China Automobile Dealers Association, since the launch of used car export trials in 2019, Chinese used car exports have grown rapidly. In 2024, total exports exceeded 436,000 units, up 46.5% year-on-year, covering over 160 countries and regions across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Latin America. In the first eight months of 2026, exports surpassed 450,000 units. Industry insiders projected 2025 exports would exceed 600,000 units.

Russia Imports Nearly Double

Regional market growth was particularly notable in 2026. According to Russian auto statistics data, Russia imported 75,000 used passenger cars from China in the first eight months of 2026, nearly double the 38,000 in the same period of 2025, a 98% increase. The Suifenhe port reported 74,000 vehicle exports in 2025, up 112.3%, of which 69,000 were used cars, surging approximately 3.3 times.

NEV Used Cars Exceed 30% Share

Export structure is undergoing a qualitative shift. Data from the 2026 Used Car Export Development Conference showed that vehicles aged 3-5 years accounted for 64% of exports, while new energy vehicle used car exports exceeded 30% share, with a year-on-year growth of 196%, regarded as a new growth pole. Coastal and border hubs are rising simultaneously: Tianjin Dongjiang served over 60 enterprises completing over 34,000 used car exports with a cargo value exceeding RMB 6 billion in 2025.

Compliance Pressure Rises

Behind the rapid expansion, compliance pressure is mounting. According to reports, after new industry regulations took effect, half of small and medium foreign trade dealers face elimination. The shift from scale expansion to compliance and quality improvement has become consensus. Vehicle standard inconsistency, weak cross-border after-sales networks, and destination country policy volatility are testing exporters' capability boundaries. Industry judgment suggests short-term pain is inevitable, but overseas demand remains robust, and export volume will continue to grow in the medium to long term.

From Profit Boom to Sustainable Industry

Looking ahead, the competitiveness of Chinese used car exports fundamentally stems from the spillover of the domestic auto industry's massive fleet size and NEV penetration rate. As domestic vehicle age structures mature and inspection, preparation, and cross-border logistics systems improve, used cars may become another export calling card after new vehicles. However, whether the industry can transition from a high-profit period to long-term stability depends on whether it can address compliance, quality, and service, rather than relying solely on information and price gaps.

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