China's commercial-vehicle exports climbed 38.1% year on year to 905,000 units in the first eight months of 2026, according to data released on September 10 by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) and reported by EV视界 (EV Horizon). Truck exports rose 41.2% to 792,000 units, while bus exports grew 19.7% to 113,000 units.
In August alone, commercial-vehicle exports reached 120,000 units, up 53.3% from a year earlier, with trucks accounting for 106,000 units (up 59.8%) and buses 14,000 units (up 16.4%). The strong export performance contrasts with a softer domestic market: domestic commercial-vehicle sales totaled 2.037 million units in the January-August period, down 2.5% year on year.
Overall production and sales trends
For the first eight months of 2026, China produced 2.916 million commercial vehicles and sold 2.942 million, up 7.5% and 7.2% respectively from the same period in 2025. In August, production reached 315,000 units (down 0.1% year on year) and sales hit 328,000 units (up 3.8%).
Breaking down the August figures, truck sales totaled 276,000 units, up 1.7% year on year, while bus sales reached 52,000 units, up 16.7%. Among truck categories, heavy-duty truck sales fell 6.1% to 86,000 units, medium-duty trucks rose 6.4% to 9,000 units, light-duty trucks grew 12% to 157,000 units, and micro-trucks dropped 23.6% to 24,000 units. Bus sales were led by light buses, which rose 19.6% to 41,000 units.
For the January-August period, heavy-duty truck sales grew 16.1% to 831,000 units, medium-duty trucks rose 19.6% to 92,000 units, and light-duty trucks increased 3.7% to 1.362 million units. Micro-truck sales fell 2.2% to 280,000 units.
Manufacturers step up commercial-vehicle efforts
Alongside the sales data, the report highlights recent moves by major manufacturers. On June 30, BYD held a service skills competition for its commercial-vehicle light-truck division in Shenzhen, aimed at improving after-sales support for its new-energy light trucks. On the same day, Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle established a new marketing company as part of a broader restructuring to streamline its sales organization.
On June 26, GWM's commercial-vehicle unit delivered its G970 hybrid heavy-duty trucks to logistics firm ZTO Express, following earlier deliveries to Yunda and SF Express. The company says the G970's hybrid powertrain, which combines a diesel engine with electric assistance, is gaining traction in long-haul freight applications for its fuel efficiency.
The export growth comes as Chinese commercial-vehicle makers increasingly target overseas markets, particularly in Southeast Asia, Latin America and the Middle East, where demand for cost-effective trucks and buses remains strong. The CAAM data does not break down export destinations, but the trend underscores the growing international footprint of China's commercial-vehicle industry.
Based on reporting by EV视界. Edited and published in English by geisou.
