China’s EV Exports Grow By 19% In 2025 — What It Means For The UAE & GCC

China’s EV industry continues to assert global dominance as export numbers soar in the first half of 2025. According to the Chinese General Administration of Customs, EV exports rose by 19% year-on-year between January and May 2025, cementing China’s status as a force to reckon with in the global automotive trade. 

Key players like Chery, MG (SAIC), and Geely, and the sub-brands are driving this surge, as Chinese automakers rapidly expand their global footprints. However, this growth is still a bit on the lower side compared to the 24% export growth for the same period in 2024.

Top EV Exporters from China:

Key Takeaways:

• Geely’s massive 103.3% export growth included 70,600 units headed to Europe, demonstrating growing demand in mature markets.
• BYD’s mix of EVs and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) suggests a cautious international reception to fully electric vehicles compared to China’s domestic appetite.
• Jetour and Trumpchi, among the newer names in global markets, are already making significant gains with competitive pricing and high-tech offerings.

The Ripple Effect in the UAE & GCC Car Markets

A Tidal Wave of Chinese EVs

The export growth of Chinese EVs is not just a global story, but has ripple effects in local markets like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other GCC countries. These nations are rapidly opening up to Chinese automakers, thanks to their combination of affordable pricing, advanced tech, and EV advancements.

Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Doha have already witnessed a sharp uptick in the presence of Chinese electric and hybrid vehicles in showrooms. Buyers are increasingly favoring Chinese options over traditional European or Japanese brands for their value-for-money, feature-rich offerings, and cutting-edge EV tech.

Key Chinese Brands Gaining Popularity in the GCC

Chinese automotive giants and their strategic sub-brands are penetrating diverse market segments in the UAE and GCC. Here’s a list of the most popular Chinese car brands in the UAE.

A few examples of Chinese car giants and their sub-brands include:

Chery: Jetour, Exeed, Jaecoo, etc.

Chery International is among the largest car manufacturers in China and has several subsidiaries under its umbrella to target different markets and buyer segments. Here’s a detailed article on Chery and its sub-brands. Jaecoo, Exeed, and Jetour are among the most popular car manufacturers in the UAE. This has certainly contributed to Chery being the largest Chinese EV exporter so far this year.

Geely: Lynk & Co, Zeekr, Riddara, etc.

Yet another Chinese giant with a massive presence in the UAE. Apart from retailing cars under its own brand name, Geely also retails cars through its sub-brands like Lynk & Co, Zeekr, Riddara, and more. Here’s a detailed article on Geely and its sub–brands.

Great Wall Motors (GWM) → Haval, Ora, Tank

This is one of the instances where the sub-brands are more well-known than the parent company. Haval and Tank are well-known brands in the UAE market, and both are subsidiaries of Great Wall Motors.

Looking Ahead: China’s Global Automotive Strategy & Expansion

China’s EV export surge is a reflection of industrial power and a strategic realignment of the global auto landscape. Western automakers struggle with supply chains and rising costs, in addition to Trump’s tariffs and their effects, while Chinese brands are capitalizing on cost-efficiency and manufacturing scale.

As the UAE and GCC accelerate toward green mobility, Chinese brands are poised to drive that journey — affordably and efficiently. Want to read more on Chinese car brands and their dominance? Here’s an incredibly detailed data-driven article with all the facts and figures to show just why Chinese brands are poised for further growth.

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Also Read: 

• Top 10 Best Chinese Cars In The UAE
• New Geely Sedan With 2,100km Range Revealed
• Jetour Cars In The UAE: Everything You Need To Know