China Says it Toppled Japan to Become World's Largest Vehicle Exporter

China has overtaken Japan as the world’s largest auto exporter in 2023, according to the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA). Achieveing the feat for the first time, China’s car exports surged 62% to a record 3.83 million vehicles in 2023.

Tesla, which exported 344,078 China-made electric vehicles, also contributed to the export boom. On the other hand, Japanese customs data showed 3.5 million passenger car exports for the first 11 months of the year, excluding second-hand vehicles.

Chinese companies specializing in electric vehicles such as BYD and Chery have made major strides in overseas markets, as well as at home – the world’s biggest auto market. The numbers offer the latest indication of the global auto exports powerhouse that China has now become, riding largely on the strength of its nimble electric vehicle automakers.

China’s EV Growth Causing Concern

The increasing Chinese clout overseas has caused consternation in some governments, who are fearful of the repercussions of that trend on their domestic automakers.

In September, the European Commission launched a probe into Chinese-made electric vehicles over subsidies they may have received, which was branded by Beijing as “protectionist”. The Biden administration in the United States is also discussing raising tariffs on some Chinese goods including EVs, the Wall Street Journal reported last month.