NEVs drive Shanghai's auto export boom in Q1

 More than 400,000 new energy vehicles (NEVs) were exported through Shanghai ports in the first quarter of 2026, representing nearly 70 percent of its total auto export, according to Shanghai Customs on Tuesday.

Shanghai, China's largest automobile export gateway, has developed a "dual-drive" export pattern anchored by the Waigaoqiao port area and the Nangang wharf in the Lingang new area.

Customs data showed that Waigaoqiao exported 386,000 vehicles in the first three months, up 15.9 percent year on year, with NEVs accounting for 68.5 percent of the total. Meanwhile, Nangang wharf saw its total export volume surge by 111 percent to 207,000 units, while its NEV exports skyrocketed by 176 percent compared to the same period last year.

The figures translate to an average daily export of around 6,600 vehicles through Shanghai ports in Q1, including about 4,500 NEVs, with major destination markets including Belgium, Brazil and South Africa.

To handle the growing demand for rapid customs clearance, authorities have established "green channels" and provided around-the-clock appointment services. Local customs offices are also utilizing big data and risk assessment to optimize inspection processes.