China’s EV Export Surge: What It Means for UAE, GCC Auto Market

Abu Dhabi : There has been a rise in China’s electric vehicle exports in 2025. Here’s how that growth is reshaping the trends of buying cars across the UAE and wider GCC region.

• The Chinese EV export market has grown by 19% between January and May 2025.
• The popular brands leading the charge include Chery, MG, and Geely.
• UAE and GCC markets love Chinese EVs since they're valuable and blessed with good features.
• Sub-brands like Jetour and Zeekr are rapidly expanding their reach.

China is tightening its grip on the global electric vehicle (EV) market. This is because the number of exports is reaching new heights in early 2025.

China, which is backed by top automakers like Chery, MG (SAIC), and Geely, has exported more than 839,000 EVs between January and May. That means they have had a 19% year-on-year rise.

While this is slightly lower than the 24% growth rate in 2024, the momentum is still very strong, especially across the UAE and the broader GCC. 

China’s Export Numbers and Market Leaders

According to the Chinese General Administration of Customs, what is driving China’s EV export push is a focused strategy. Chery led with 250,800 units exported in the first five months, followed by MG (SAIC) at 168,700 and Geely at 160,900. These brands are also tapping into mature global markets.

BYD recorded 159,300 units, which included plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). It reflected a split in international demand compared to China’s BEV-focused local market. Geely had a 103.3% year-on-year growth and 70,600 EVs shipped to Europe and that meant there was an increasing global appetite for Chinese-built EVs.

There is also strong progress for up and coming players like Jetour and Trumpchi. They are leveraging modern features and affordable pricing to carve out space in crowded international showrooms.

Main Chinese EV Exporters (Jan–May 2025)

1. Chery: 250,800 units.
2. MG (SAIC): 168,700 units.
3. Geely: 160,900 units.
4. BYD: 159,300 units.
5. Haval: 90,700 units.
6. Changan: 82,100 units.
7. Roewe: 48,700 units.
8. Jetour: 41,500 units.
9. Trumpchi: 30,800 units.
10. JAC: 27,200 units

Ripple Effects in the UAE and GCC

Local showrooms across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Doha are also feeling the export boost. Now, it is very common to see Chinese EVs. Some of the main reasons are because they offer advanced features, their prices are low, and many customers trust them.

Most times, if customers compare these with popular European or Japanese brands, they will often choose the ones from China since they're valuable and perform better.

Popular brands like Chery, Geely, and Great Wall Motors (GWM) have launched sub-brands tailored to different market needs. In the UAE, Jaecoo, Exeed, Jetour (Chery), and Zeekr, Lynk & Co (Geely) have already built a following.

Looking Ahead: What It Means for the Region

As Western automakers struggle with rising costs and supply chain issues, Chinese firms are using scale and price advantage to gain fast growth. Tariff tensions in the US have also nudged these companies toward markets like the UAE and GCC, where demand is rising.