China’s auto exports have grown significantly in Latin America

The expansion of China’s new energy electric vehicles in the Latin American market has indeed been rapid, especially in countries such as Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia. This is not only due to the cost advantage and technological innovation of Chinese brands, but also benefits from the early stage of the local market, the government’s green transformation policies, and the middle class’s preference for affordable EVs.

Overall export trend: Shift from Europe to Latin America

In April 2024, China’s auto exports reached 207,000 units, representing a year-on-year growth of 58%. The top five countries in terms of new energy vehicle exports included Brazil (over 40,000 units, with a growth rate of 1,202%), Belgium, the United Kingdom, Thailand and Australia. This indicates that China’s EV exports are shifting from the European and American markets, which are affected by tariff barriers, to emerging regions. By 2025, this momentum will continue to strengthen
In 2024, China is expected to account for 40% of global electric vehicle exports, totaling nearly 1.25 million units. Among them, Latin America has become a key growth point, with the adoption rate of EVs increasing roughly threefold. Chinese imports have accounted for two-thirds of EV sales in Mexico.
Entering 2025, China’s EV exports remain strong: global electric vehicle sales in the first three months increased by 1 million units compared to the same period in 2024, with China contributing 60%. The number of light electric vehicles in Latin America has nearly doubled each year over the past four years, growing by 187% in 2024 and maintaining a rapid expansion in the first half of 2025. By 2025, the value of China’s auto exports will have nearly tripled compared to 2022, reaching 37.3 billion US dollars, with a significant portion sold to the Middle East and Latin America. It is expected that by 2028, the share of EVs in new car sales in Latin America will reach 10-20%. Although Latin America’s exports slightly declined by 0.3% in April 2025 (to 12,000 units), the first half of the year was generally strong. Brazil has remained China’s largest export market for new energy vehicles for several consecutive months.

The strong rise of the Brazilian market

Brazil is at the core of the EV revolution in Latin America
In 2024, Chinese brands will account for 85% of EV sales in Brazil, including BYD, GWM, and Chery. The import volume has tripled since 2023, and the import value reached 2.05 billion US dollars in the first half of 2025, an increase of 713%.
In the first half of 2025, the sales volume of EVs in Brazil exceeded 120,000 units (the full-year figure is expected to be even higher), and BYD sold 19,000 units in the first five months, representing a year-on-year growth of 46%. In the overall market, Chinese vehicles have broken through the dominance of Europe and America (such as Fiat and General Motors) and occupied a significant share.
Byd’s sales in Brazil jumped by 85% (exceeding 170,000 units in 2024, including both pure electric and hybrid vehicles). Although deliveries slightly declined in July 2025 due to the domestic price war in China, it still led the global market and dominated in markets such as Brazil, Thailand, and Spain, with total sales exceeding 2.1 million units. The Brazilian EV market is in its infancy. Consumers are curious about new technologies, and the prices are affordable. (Chinese EVs match the performance and cost demands of the middle class.)
The Brazilian government is promoting green transformation and attracting investment, such as raising tariffs on EVs, but encouraging local production. Meanwhile, Latin America as a whole has benefited from China’s low-cost and high-quality EVs, driving regional transformation.

Investment and localization by Chinese automakers

Great Wall Motor: It will start SUV production in Sao Paulo by the end of 2024 and accelerate the manufacturing of EVs and hybrids in 2025, with an investment of approximately 2 billion US dollars. The goal is to achieve local production by 2025 and avoid tariffs.
Byd: In 2025, it will invest 1 billion US dollars to renovate the former Ford factory. The first electric vehicle made in Brazil has rolled off the production line, with an annual production capacity of 50,000 units (the target for 2025). By the end of 2026, full production will create 20,000 jobs. There will be 240 stores, covering all states. Byd has also turned to Brazil as its manufacturing center in Latin America (adjusted from Mexico) and has been selling well in Colombia, Israel, and other countries.
Others: Chery and others are also following suit, with a total investment of over 6.9 billion reais (including automakers from multiple countries). These factories not only serve Brazil but also radiate to Latin America, promoting the localization of the EV industry chain.

A broader influence in Latin America

Beyond Brazil, Chinese EVs have promoted hybrid pickup trucks in Mexico, with a market share exceeding 20%. Chinese cars accounted for 37% of new car sales in Ecuador in the first half of the year. Overall EV sales in Latin America are expected to reach 120,000 units in 2024 and are projected to be even higher in 2025. China is reshaping the regional automotive landscape. Despite facing global tariffs (such as those from the United States and the European Union), Latin America is highly open and provides a buffer.

Overall, the “expansion” of Chinese EVs in Latin America has become a reality. By 2030, China will manufacture one-third of the world’s automobiles, and Latin America will be the main beneficiary. This has also raised concerns among local industries (such as job transfer), but the opportunities outweigh the challenges – cheaper green travel is accelerating the transformation.