A milestone in the globalization of Chinese vehicles: Annual automobile exports from ports in Jiangsu, China, have surpassed 1 million units

On October 12, 2026, as over 5,000 brand-new Chinese-made vehicles were loaded in an orderly fashion onto the “Linuo Traveler”—a roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessel bound for European nations such as Germany and Belgium—Taicang Port in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, marked a historic milestone: the port’s cumulative vehicle exports for the first nine months of the year surpassed the one-million mark, reaching 1.08 million units—a year-on-year increase of over 80%. This achievement not only signifies a major leap in the hub capabilities of Taicang Port—the largest automotive RoRo terminal on the Yangtze River main channel—but also serves as vivid statistical evidence of the high level of acceptance and robust competitiveness Chinese automobiles enjoy in the international market.

From “Connecting Rivers and Seas” to “Global Coverage”

Data from the Taicang Customs in Jiangsu Province shows that in the first nine months of this year, automobiles shipped from Taicang Port reached 168 countries and regions worldwide. First-half data alone indicated exports to 166 markets, while the product mix expanded beyond traditional trucks and buses to include light trucks, pickups, and special-purpose vehicles powered by various energy sources; this diverse range of models precisely meets the varied demands of global markets.

This figure epitomizes the deep integration of China’s automotive industry into the global market. Data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers shows that from January to September this year, my country’s total automobile exports reached 8.205 million units, a year-on-year increase of 65.8%. The milestone of over one million vehicles handled by Taicang Port serves as a vivid illustration of the shift in Chinese automobiles from merely exporting products to achieving global brand presence.

The technological strength behind “Made in China” wins global favor

The leap in export volumes stems fundamentally from the international market’s recognition of the quality of Chinese automobiles. At the bustling Taicang Port, new energy vehicles have become the dominant force. According to a report by CCTV, exports of new energy vehicles through the Taicang port more than doubled year-on-year in September alone. Nationwide, new energy vehicles accounted for over 40% of total automobile exports in the first half of the year—a figure that surpassed 50% in June—serving as the primary engine driving export growth.

Global consumer acceptance of Chinese automobiles has moved beyond mere “value for money.” Leveraging technological strengths in new energy and intelligent technologies, Chinese brands are establishing a premium image in markets ranging from Europe to Southeast Asia. At the Bangkok International Motor Show in Thailand, BYD achieved the highest number of pre-orders—far surpassing traditional Japanese brands—with mid-to-high-end models driving the bulk of sales; this success has shattered the stereotype that Chinese cars rely solely on low prices to generate volume in overseas markets.

High-efficiency hubs ensure “China Speed” for global delivery

To meet the surge in global orders, Taicang Port’s efficient customs clearance and logistics systems provide robust support for Chinese vehicles making inroads into international markets. To ensure “zero-wait” automobile exports, the Taicang Port Management Committee established a dedicated task force in collaboration with customs, maritime, and border inspection authorities. By launching a “fast-track” channel and implementing measures such as appointment-based processing and “load-upon-arrival” operations, the port has boosted loading efficiency by more than 20%.

Today, the Haitong (Taicang) Automobile Terminal sees an average of seven fully loaded roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessels depart each week, continuously shipping “Made-in-China” vehicles to Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Belt and Road partner countries. It serves not only as the largest automobile export hub in China’s Yangtze River region but also as an indispensable node in the global automotive supply chain.

As China’s automotive industry continues to lead the way in electrification and intelligent technologies while deepening its localized operations overseas, the milestone of Taicang Port handling over one million vehicles represents not only a significant achievement but also a fresh starting point. It sends a clear signal to the world: Chinese vehicles are not merely capable of reaching global markets but are successfully establishing a firm foothold in the preferences of consumers worldwide. The internationalization of China’s automotive industry has entered a new phase of high-quality development, characterized by simultaneous growth in both volume and quality.