Quick Answer
Yes. China has been exporting used cars since the government launched a pilot program in 2019. Since then, the country’s used car exports have grown rapidly as international demand for affordable vehicles continues to increase.
If you want to know where international buyers usually find exporters, you can read Where Can I Buy Used Cars from China
If you are planning to purchase vehicles directly from China, you can also read How to Import Used Cars from China to understand the export process step by step.
China’s Used Car Export Policy
China officially started allowing used car exports in 2019, when the government approved pilot export programs in several cities including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangdong. (一财全球)
The policy was introduced to support the development of the automotive industry and expand China’s role in the global vehicle trade.
Today, used car exports from China have expanded to many regions including:
- Africa
- the Middle East
- Central Asia
- Southeast Asia
Rapid Growth of Used Car Exports
China’s used car export industry has grown quickly in recent years.
For example:
- In 2021, China exported about 15,000 used cars.
- In 2022, exports increased to around 69,000 vehicles. (人民网)
- By 2023, exports reached around 275,000 vehicles. (com)
- In 2024, exports exceeded 436,000 units, showing strong growth. (Inside China Auto)
Some reports also show that Chinese used cars are now exported to more than 160 countries and regions worldwide. (中国日报环球网)
These numbers demonstrate that China is becoming an increasingly important supplier in the global used car market.
Why China Is Expanding Used Car Exports
Several factors are driving the growth of used car exports from China.
Large Domestic Vehicle Market
China has one of the largest car markets in the world, with hundreds of millions of vehicles on the road. This creates a large supply of used vehicles that can be exported internationally.
Strong Manufacturing and Supply Chain
China’s automotive industry benefits from a complete industrial supply chain, including:
- vehicle manufacturing
- auto parts suppliers
- logistics companies
- international shipping infrastructure
This industrial system allows vehicles to be produced and sold at competitive prices.
Growing Global Demand
Many developing markets need affordable and reliable vehicles. Chinese used cars have become attractive because they offer:
- lower purchase prices
- relatively new vehicle models
- wide availability of SUVs and sedans
Conclusion
Yes, China is actively exporting used cars, and the industry has grown rapidly since 2019. With strong industrial capacity, a large domestic vehicle market, and increasing global demand, China is becoming an important source of vehicles for international buyers.
For dealers and importers looking for competitive vehicle prices, China’s used car export market is likely to continue expanding in the coming years.
