Ningbo's auto exports zoom ahead as global demand surges

Cars line up at the Ningbo Meixi Ro-Ro Terminal, ready for export. [Photo/Tide News]

At Ningbo's Meishan Free Trade Zone, car carriers loaded with export vehicles queue for departure, while container ships packed with Chinese-made cars set sail for destinations like the United Arab Emirates and Brazil. These scenes reflect the booming momentum of Ningbo's auto exports.

From January to July, the value of auto exports from Ningbo Port hit 22 billion yuan ($3.06 billion) — a 62.4 percent year-on-year increase. The UAE, Brazil and the European Union emerged as key growth markets, collectively contributing 11.92 billion yuan, each with export growth exceeding 200 percent.

Ningbo Sovel Supply Chain Management Co Ltd has reported over 50,000 vehicles exported this year, with new markets including Algeria, Egypt and Morocco. Customs innovations such as direct port loading and contactless customs clearances have eliminated delays, boosting the confidence of exporters.

China's new energy vehicles (NEVs) are continuing to gain traction overseas, driven by policy support and technological advances. Yet, exporters face rising challenges — trade restrictions, shifting regulations and technical barriers.

To track quality and safety risks of exported NEVs, Ningbo Customs established a first-tier monitoring station for NEV safety risks. The station collects and analyzes risk data, supporting the high-quality growth of NEV exports. From January to July, multiple safety alerts and analytical reports were submitted.