Stricter Controls on Illegal New Car Export, More Space for Legitimate Used Cars, and Emerging Opportunities for International Model New Cars
Zhijun Zhao · 2025-11-30
Li Hua · 2024-04-25
China used car market has been a driving force in the global auto industry, with a rise in export activities in recent years. This article investigates the reasons behind the trend and its implications on the global market.

Policy Support and Market Liberalization.
The used car export boom in China has been heavily supported by the liberalization and fostering of the industry by the government. The Chinese government's measures, such as lowering taxes on used cars and deregulating migration, have allowed the development of a strong and compliant industry. The China Automobile Dealers Association reported a YOY increase of 14.88% in the number of transactions in the used car market in 2023, with 18.413 million vehicles exchanged, understanding the market’s potential and direction of growth.
Emerging Markets and Demand Growth.
The demand for used cars in emerging markets has played a critical role in driving China’s export growth. As the economies of African and Southeast Asian countries grow, so does their need for affordable transportation, and used cars become a more reasonable option. Innovations and structural changes in the automotive market and trends, boosted by technological developments, have created more consumer demand for used cars in both domestic and foreign markets.
Digitalization and Innovation.
Digitalization has been critical to the development of the used car market in China. The integration of online and offline platforms, such as AutoCango, has turned the used car export process into a full cycle, ensuring accessibility at every stage. If the industry wants to develop and deliver a better user experience and a more effective operating model, this must be digitally oriented.
Challenges and the Road Ahead.
The export market for used cars in China has its challenges like trade barriers and strong competitors. However, these are manageable with the right strategy and policy support that the beginners will need to continue growing the market. The Chinese used car market will retain its movement, with expected exports of over 500,000 units in the future years.
In conclusion. The explosion of used car exports from China is evidence of the country’s rapidly changing automotive sector and its approach to liberalizing new markets, as well as the role of digitalization. With a formative market and secular trend in demand among copying markets, China used car exports will play a growing role in shaping the global industry.
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