Korean Media: China Surpasses Japan for the First Time in 28 Years to Become Australia's Largest Auto Supplier!
On July 11, South Korean media outlet *JoongAng Daily* published an article stating that China has overtaken Japan to become the largest automotive exporter to Australia. Analysts point out that with Chinese brands launching aggressive campaigns centered on electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), Japan’s long-standing dominance in the Australian market is beginning to waver.
China has become Australia’s top auto supplier this year. According to reports, in April alone, China exported approximately 36,000 passenger vehicles to Australia—far surpassing Japan’s 29,000 units. From January to April this year, cumulative imports of Chinese vehicles exceeded 100,000 units, marking a 51% year-on-year increase, while Japanese vehicle imports declined by 23% to around 94,500 units.
This shift is seen as a structural change rather than merely a monthly anomaly. In February this year, China first surpassed Japan in monthly sales volume to become Australia’s largest auto supplier, a position it has maintained ever since. This marks the first time since 1998 that Japan has lost its leading position in the Australian automotive market—a span of 28 years.
The rapid rise of Chinese automakers is primarily attributed to the expansion of the EV and PHEV markets. In Australia, Chinese brands are steadily increasing their market share thanks to competitive pricing and rapid introduction of new models. Notably, BYD, Chery, MG, and Great Wall Motors are recognized as key drivers behind the surge in Chinese auto imports. According to the Australian Automotive Manufacturers Association, among the ten new car brands entering the Australian market since 2020, nine are Chinese brands.
Meanwhile, Japanese brands are facing mounting pressure from declining sales. Particularly Toyota, whose sales drop is largely attributed to supply disruptions during the RAV4 model refresh. In January and February this year, Toyota’s sales in Australia fell 24.9% compared to the same period last year.
Industry experts believe this transformation reflects broader global restructuring in the automotive sector. China has risen to become the world’s largest auto exporter, rapidly expanding its overseas influence through competitiveness in EVs and battery supply chains. According to the International Energy Agency, China has become the global hub for EV production and exports, accounting for over 35% of total Chinese auto exports in 2023.
At the same time, Chinese automakers are moving beyond simple export models, accelerating R&D of vehicles tailored for international markets. Recently, they have been formulating strategies to develop dedicated models that meet consumer preferences in major markets such as Europe and Australia, thereby strengthening their global market penetration.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1870404147069952/
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