China’s auto parts sector continued to show steady export growth in the first quarter of 2026, while imports recorded a notable rebound following a sharp decline in the previous year, according to data compiled from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) and customs authorities.
In Q1 2026, China’s auto parts exports reached $23.83 billion, up 3.7% year-on-year, with growth accelerating compared to the full-year performance in 2025. Imports totaled $4.83 billion, rising 4.5% year-on-year, marking a clear shift after a significant downturn in 2025.
Steady Export Growth Continues
Export performance remained stable despite monthly fluctuations. In March 2026, exports fell to $7.31 billion, down 5.7% from February and 12.2% year-on-year. However, overall quarterly figures still reflected sustained growth momentum.
In 2025, full-year auto parts exports reached $95.11 billion, a 2.4% increase, extending a multi-year trend of gradual expansion. Industry data shows that monthly export values have steadily increased since 2022, rising from lower levels to a more stable high range by 2025 and into 2026.
Exports in early 2026 were particularly strong, with January reaching $9.1 billion and April recording $8.6 billion, highlighting continued resilience in global demand.
Industry analysis indicates that auto parts exports are primarily driven by replacement and aftermarket demand, particularly in Europe and the United States, which tends to remain stable compared with vehicle sales cycles.
Imports Rebound After 2025 Decline
On the import side, China’s auto parts purchases from abroad fell significantly in 2025, dropping 21.7% year-on-year to $21.12 billion. This decline reflected increasing domestic production capacity and a shift toward local substitution in key components.
However, Q1 2026 showed a reversal, with imports rising 4.5% year-on-year. Analysts attribute the rebound to a combination of statistical base effects, normalization of global logistics, and increased demand from new vehicle models entering production.
The growth in imports was also linked to demand for high-end components such as advanced chips, sensors, and precision systems used in new energy and intelligent vehicle technologies, where domestic supply remains limited in certain segments.
Structural Shifts in Supply Chains
The data reflects ongoing changes in China’s automotive supply chain structure. Domestic manufacturers have made progress in areas such as batteries, motors, electronic control systems, and smart vehicle technologies, reducing reliance on imported components in several categories.
At the same time, automakers are increasingly prioritizing supply chain stability and efficiency, strengthening partnerships with local suppliers while selectively maintaining imports for specialized or high-end components.
Cost advantages, production scale, and faster delivery times have also strengthened the position of domestic suppliers in a wide range of mid-tier components, further supporting import substitution trends.
Vehicle Exports Drive Industry Shift
The broader automotive industry continues to see stronger growth in complete vehicle exports compared with parts. In April 2026, China exported 939,000 vehicles, generating $16.1 billion in revenue, reflecting strong year-on-year growth.
This shift highlights a transition in the industry from a parts-led export model to one increasingly driven by complete vehicle shipments. Parts exports are now playing a more supportive role, supplying both global aftermarket demand and complementing vehicle expansion overseas.
China’s automotive trade structure is increasingly characterized by higher-value exports, more selective imports, and deeper integration across the global supply chain.
Outlook
Industry observers expect exports to maintain steady growth, while import patterns are likely to remain influenced by the balance between domestic substitution and demand for advanced technologies. The continued expansion of vehicle exports is also expected to further strengthen coordination across the automotive supply chain.
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