Motorcycle Exports Continue to Drive Growth: Exports of Complete Motorcycles Exceed 11.6487 Million Units from January to July, with the African Market Gaining Momentum

As 2026 unfolds, the story of China’s motorcycle exports continues to unfold. Customs statistics released by the China Motorcycle Chamber of Commerce show that from January through July, China exported 11.6487 million complete motorcycles, with an export value of $7.811 billion—representing year-over-year increases of 11.56% and 19.58%, respectively. The growth rate in export value significantly outpaced that of export volume—this reflects not just “selling more,” but also “selling at a higher value.” Drawing on the latest data from industry associations, customs authorities, and mainstream media, this article breaks down the substance behind this round of export growth.

Exports Drive Overall Industry Growth, Accounting for Nearly Two-Thirds in July

Taking a broader view: Exports are no longer merely the “cherry on top” of industry growth but have become the true “driving force.” Customs statistics released by the China Motorcycle Chamber of Commerce show that from January through July 2026, motorcycle exports by volume and value increased by 11.56% and 19.58% year-over-year, respectively. Looking at July alone, the industry sold 2.2208 million motorcycles, of which 1.4196 million were exported—accounting for approximately 64 percent. Export volume and value rose by 23.76 percent and 33.36 percent year-over-year, respectively, both significantly outpacing the 7.6 percent growth rate of domestic sales.

From a corporate perspective, export growth also showed a certain degree of concentration. According to Chamber of Commerce statistics, from January through July, Haojue exported over 1.2 million motorcycles, ranking first in the industry, while Longxin General ranked second. It should be noted that industry statistics are based on both customs declaration data and manufacturer-reported figures; therefore, these data sets should not be directly compared side-by-side.

Africa Is the “Strongest Engine,” with Growth Across Multiple Global Markets

This growth is not driven by a single market. Data from the China Motorcycle Chamber of Commerce shows that from January through July, Africa was the largest market in terms of export volume and the one with the most rapid growth: exports totaled 4.4148 million units, up 35.00% year-over-year, with export value reaching $2.436 billion, up 41.57% year-over-year. Statistics from the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (hereinafter referred to as the Chamber) also corroborate this trend: in the first half of the year, China’s exports of gasoline-powered motorcycles to Africa rose by 50.3% year-over-year, while exports to Latin America increased by 6.4%. Exports to Myanmar and Malaysia surged by 255% and 166%, respectively, further highlighting the diversification of the market.

Latin America continues to serve as the “core market.” According to industry data compiled by the China Industrial News, by 2025, Latin America will be China’s largest export destination for motorcycles, with export volume reaching 6.6861 million units, while Africa will be the fastest-growing emerging market. Microdata from local customs authorities underscores this trend: in the first seven months of this year, enterprises within the Zengcheng Customs jurisdiction alone exported motorcycles and parts worth approximately 2.424 billion yuan, with new export markets including 12 emerging economies such as Central African Republic and Mauritania.

Motorcycles Are Getting “Heavier”: Displacement Upgrades and Electrification Advance in Parallel

Beyond the booming exports, changes in product structure are also worth noting. The Two-Wheeler Branch of the China Machinery and Electronics Chamber of Commerce pointed out that the 100–125cc, 125–150cc, and 150–200cc segments remain the mainstay of exports, but exports of large-displacement motorcycles (400cc and above) reached $528 million in the first half of the year, a year-on-year increase of 26.8%, continuing their rapid growth trend. Citing data from the Chamber, the China Securities Journal reported that in the first seven months, exports of 110cc-series and 250cc-series motorcycles increased by 53.76% and 50.67% year-over-year, respectively, while ATV exports rose by 30.29% in volume and 62.13% in value.

The shift toward electrification is also accelerating. According to data from the China Chamber of Commerce for Machinery and Electronics, in the first six months, China’s exports of electric two-wheelers reached $4.58 billion, up 36.6% year-over-year, with export volume totaling 15.97 million units, a 30.8% year-over-year increase—a growth rate significantly faster than that of fuel-powered models. The industry generally interprets this series of changes as a signal of a transition “from low-price, high-volume sales to quality improvement and upgrading.” Zhang Hongbo, Secretary-General of the China Motorcycle Chamber of Commerce, believes that the export product structure has undergone an upgrade, the value per vehicle continues to rise, and the industry is moving away from a model that relies solely on low prices and high volume.

The supply chain is following the trend of “going global,” with cautious optimism for the second half of the year

While the market for complete vehicles is booming, the parts business is also thriving. Data from the China Machinery and Electronics Chamber of Commerce shows that in the first half of the year, exports of motorcycle parts totaled $3.73 billion, up 9.6% year-over-year, demonstrating the synergistic effects of the industrial chain. A Xinhua News Agency report noted that in April alone, motorcycle parts exports reached 190 million yuan, a 31% month-over-month increase, while helmet exports totaled 80 million yuan, up 23.6% month-over-month.

As for the outlook for the second half of the year, industry views lean toward “cautious optimism.” Zhang Hongbo noted that while companies currently have ample overseas orders on hand and full-year exports are expected to maintain positive growth, the growth rate may slow somewhat in the second half; trade protectionism, certification barriers, exchange rate fluctuations, and shipping-related factors will continue to exert pressure. In the domestic market, domestic sales of gasoline-powered motorcycles grew by only 2.7% in the first seven months. Zhang Hongbo believes this represents a structural recovery and “should not be directly interpreted as a comprehensive and sustained recovery.” For Chinese motorcycle manufacturers, selling vehicles globally is only the first half of the game; brand building, compliant operations, and localized services are where the real work begins in the second half.