Hailao Used Car Export Briefing·May 11, 2026

1. Trends in used car exports in China

1. China-Africa zero-tariff policy was implemented, and exports doubled year-on-year in the first quarter

Abstract: Starting from May 1, China will implement zero tariffs on all tax items on 53 countries with diplomatic relations in Africa for a period of two years, significantly reducing the comprehensive cost of used car exports. Guiyang's second-hand car export base exported more than 350 units in the first quarter, with a value exceeding 30 million yuan, a year-on-year increase of 100%, and the annual target is 2500 units. Economical fuel vehicles and entry-level electric vehicles have outstanding cost performance in Africa and have become the main exporters.

Release date: May 8, 2026

Source media: Today's headlines-Driving coordinate system

2. Export compliance continues to be tightened, and the 0-kilometer fake used car channel has been blocked

Abstract: The new policy of requiring the manufacturer's after-sales confirmation for the export of vehicles less than 180 days after registration has been rigidly implemented, completely blocking the "0-kilometer" fake used car export channel. 3-5 Real second-hand cars with an annual age have become the main exporter. Small and medium-sized car dealers have accelerated compliance and the industry has entered a reshuffle period. Leading companies have further highlighted their competitiveness based on their compliance qualifications and after-sales systems.

Release date: May 8, 2026

Source media: China Government Network, People's Daily

3. Hot-selling models focus on cost-effective fuel vehicles and entry electric vehicles

Abstract: The African market prefers 1.6L-2.0L displacement fuel cars and pickup trucks, such as Toyota Corolla, Great Wall Fengjun 5, etc., which are durable and have low maintenance costs. The Russian and Central Asian markets prefer new energy small vehicles and compact SUVs, and the exports of BYD Dolphin and Wuling Hongguang MINIEV are growing rapidly. The demand for second-hand luxury SUVs in the Middle East market is stable, and Toyota Land Cruiser has strong premium capabilities.

Release date: May 10, 2026

Source media: Interface News

2. Trends of imported cars in target markets

1. China ranks second in imports of used cars to Russia, with new energy accounting for more than 30%

Abstract: In April, China overtook South Korea to rise to second place in Russia's second-hand passenger car import market, second only to Japan, and its market share continued to expand. Russia's second-hand car imports increased by 11% year-on-year to more than 40,000, of which China's new energy vehicles accounted for more than 30%. Russia has simplified the testing process of China's vehicles to further benefit China's vehicle exports.

Release date: May 9, 2026

Source media: Russian Satellite News Agency

Algeria relaxes the age limit for expatriates and tightens the displacement to 1.6L

Abstract: Algeria's new policy allows expatriates to import used cars that are 5 years old, while local residents still have 3 years old, expanding the scope of import supply. The upper limit of vehicle displacement has been reduced from 2.0L to 1.6L, and only gasoline, hybrid and electric vehicles are allowed to be imported, which will benefit China's small-displacement models. Algeria is Africa's second largest used car import market, with annual imports exceeding 200,000 vehicles.

Release date: May 8, 2026

Source media: Today's headlines-Cars going out to sea

3. The Strait of Hormuz crisis has caused a sharp drop in imports from the Middle East, making Africa a hot spot for substitution

Abstract: In the first quarter, China's new car exports to the United Arab Emirates plunged 89%, and to Saudi Arabia fell 49%. Shipping in the Strait of Hormuz was blocked and severely affected deliveries in the Middle East. The Middle East accounts for 12% of China's new car exports. After being blocked, exporting companies turned to markets such as Africa and Russia. The implementation of the zero-tariff policy in Africa has become a core incremental market for used car exports.

Release date: May 8, 2026

Source: World Ports Organization

3. Shipping market and shipping trends

1. The SCFI index rose for two consecutive weeks, and the European line rose nearly 5%

Abstract: On May 8, SCFI reported 1,954.21 points, up 2.23% weekly. Freight rates on the four major ocean routes increased across the board. The European line rose 4.93% to US$1596/ TEU, and the U.S. line rose 3.82% to US$2826/ FEU. The obstruction of the Strait of Hormuz has trapped 140 container ships, affected transportation capacity by about 500,000 TEU, and pushed up freight rates on the Asia-Europe route.

Release date: May 8, 2026

Source media: Shanghai Shipping Exchange, International Shipping Network

2. The BDI index remained at a high level of 3000 points, and bulk cargo freight rates continued to strengthen

Abstract: On May 11, the BDI reported 3001 points, up 0.77% weekly. Since the end of 2023, it has continued to stand firm at a high of 3000 points. The daily rental rate of capesize ships reaches US$46017, with an increase in Atlantic cargo pallets and tightening of capacity. Freight charges on the Red Sea-Suez Canal route increased by 8%-10%, and the Cape of Good Hope route increased by 5%-7%.

Release date: May 11, 2026

Source media: Huitong Finance

4. Geopolitical dynamics

1. Shipping risks in the Strait of Hormuz have soared, affecting 20% of global container traffic

Abstract: On May 8, the U.S. military attacked Iranian oil tankers. More than 70 oil tankers were unable to enter and exit Iranian ports, and passage across the Strait was severely restricted. About 30% of global crude oil transportation and 20% of container transportation were affected, and some ships were forced to detour the Cape of Good Hope. The detour has increased the range by 7-10 days and increased freight rates by 12%-15%, impacting the delivery of used cars in the Middle East and Africa.

Release date: May 8, 2026

Source media: Huibo Investment Research Information

2. The situation in the Middle East reshapes export routes, and China-Russia land transportation demand increases by 30%

Abstract: The Strait of Hormuz crisis has blocked China's exports to the Middle East, and companies have accelerated the restructuring of trade routes. Some routes turned to the Red Sea-Suez Canal or the Cape of Good Hope, and orders for overland China-Russia, China-Europe freight trains and road motor transportation increased by 30%. The Central Asian and Russian markets have become core increments to avoid shipping risks, with land exports of used cars increasing by 25% month-on-month.

Release date: May 10, 2026

Source: World Ports Organization

Source: Automobile Export Pass, Used Car Export

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