China Outbound Yearbook 2025-2026

Consumer Staples, Automotive, Technology Author: Yiran Xing Jan 30, 2026 06:00 PM (GMT+8)

ContributorsQiutongchun,Menghanchen,Zhangleci

EditorYangYongping

Pages27

CopyrightEqualOcean Intelligence

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Introduction

EqualOcean's "China Outbound Yearbook 2025-2026" highlights a new "Coastal Manufacturing + Global South Markets" pattern as China’s surplus topped $1 trillion. Key trends: the auto industry entered "Deep Localization"; Chinese AI open-source downloads surpassed the U.S.; and e-commerce pivoted to "Overseas Warehousing + Local Fulfillment." Chinese brands are now shifting from volume to premiumization, entering an "Era of Global Services."

Highlights

Global South expansion: Outbound focus is decentralizing, with the Global South becoming a major growth driver.
AI competitiveness: Chinese AI products are emerging globally, shifting from catching up to systemic competition.
Trade structural shift: China’s trade surplus topped $1 trillion in 2025, with a historic shift in export origins.
Deep localization: Heavy-asset industries like automotive are moving from exports to deep local integration.
Brand premiumization: Chinese brands are transitioning from volume sales to commanding price premiums.

1 Overview: Overall Transformation of Chinese companies’ Global Expansion in 2025
2 Destination Markets: Differentiated Roles of Regions in Chinese Companies’ Global Expansion
3 Industries: Global Expansion Pathways of Key Sectors Are Being Restructured
4 Strategies: Systemic Upgrading of Corporate and Service Ecosystems