China's car exports surge with rebounding market in March

China's automotive market was more active in March, with both production and sales registering substantial month-on-month increases. Notably, the country's auto exports maintained a robust growth trajectory throughout the first quarter, according to data released by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) on Friday.

In March, China's automobile production reached 2.917 million units, while sales hit 2.899 million units, marking a month-on-month increase of 74.4 percent and 60.6 percent, respectively.

Experts attribute this rapid growth to a combination of seasonal historical patterns, the full implementation of local subsidy policies, the launch of spring auto shows, and the continuous release of new models by manufacturers.

China's auto exports demonstrated exceptional strong growth in March. A total of 875,000 vehicles were exported, representing a 30.2 percent increase month on month and a remarkable 72.7 percent year-on-year surge.

New energy vehicle (NEV) exports were a significant contributor, reaching 371,000 units, up 1.3 times year on year. For the entire January-March period, total auto exports climbed to 2.226 million units, a 56.7 percent increase year on year, with NEV exports alone amounting to 954,000 units, growing by 1.2 times year on year.

"The rapid growth of China's automobile exports is the result of multiple favorable factors working in concert. Firstly, new energy vehicles have become the core driving force for the increase in automobile exports. Secondly, a complete and efficient automotive industrial chain ensures stable supply and delivery capabilities. This, coupled with effects of scale, further enhances the international competitiveness of China's automotive products. In essence, the rapid growth of automobile exports is a concentrated manifestation of the transformation, upgrading, and overall strength improvement of China's automotive industry," said Chen Shihua, deputy secretary-general of the CAAM.

China's car exports surge with rebounding market in March

The Spanish people have pinned high hopes on Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's upcoming visit to China, hoping that the visit will result in stronger cooperation in trade, renewable energy and global governance as the two countries look to deepen ties amid a complex international landscape.

The visit, scheduled for April 11 to 15, is Sanchez's fourth visit to China in four years. It follows high-level exchanges between the two countries last year, including visits by the Spanish King and the prime minister. It is widely viewed as a key moment to consolidate bilateral relations and strengthen communication between China and Europe.

In Madrid, residents expressed hope for closer ties.

"I think strengthening cooperation in science, technology and trade is the most important thing for both Spain and China," said Manuel, a local resident.

"I hope more Chinese companies will do business in Spain. Many Chinese firms are strong and active in advanced sectors like renewable energy, where I work. This would bring more business opportunities," said another resident Patricia.

China is a key partner for Spain within the European Union. Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both nations, bilateral relations have maintained a high level of development, with solid progress in various fields that has tangibly benefited the people of both countries.

Spanish international relations expert Juan Arguello noted that amid current global energy price volatility and rising geopolitical uncertainty, Spain is seeking more diverse and pragmatic foreign cooperation.

"This visit is of great importance, and the timing is critical, especially with international energy prices continuing to rise. Spain imports a large amount of technology products from China, including batteries. Sanchez is also looking to accelerate the energy transition and open up new markets by deepening ties with China," he said.

Spanish public expects PM's China visit to boost bilateral cooperation in multiple sectors