MOFCOM official outlines auto industry overseas competition and compliance guidelines

Summary

China's Ministry of Commerce, together with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the State Administration for Market Regulation, has released guidelines on overseas competition conduct and compliance for the auto industry. Spanning four chapters and 20 articles, the guidelines provide a reference for Chinese automakers on competition and compliance practices abroad. A commerce ministry official said exports reached 8.32 million vehicles in 2025, delivered to more than 200 countries and regions, with manufacturing investments in over 80 countries and regions.

The guidelines aim to strengthen corporate compliance capabilities and international influence while fostering cooperation in global industrial and supply chains.

Commentary

China's vehicle exports of 8.32 million units in 2025 – spanning more than 200 markets – together with manufacturing investments in over 80 countries, signal that the country's automotive industry has moved from export-led growth to localised operations. The new guidelines respond to compliance pressures arising from trade barriers, such as the European Union's anti-subsidy measures. In New Zealand, brands including BYD and MG are accelerating market entry, and low-priced electric vehicles are squeezing profit margins in the used Japanese and Korean car segment.

Dealers will need to pivot towards higher-margin aftersales and charging services. Meanwhile, Chinese automakers seeking local compliance will require service providers familiar with New Zealand's vehicle certification and consumer law – creating a niche opportunity. The guidelines should help stabilise international conduct, though their real-world impact depends on how they interact with local regulators.

Keywords: auto industry, overseas competition, compliance, MOFCOM, exports, guidelines, overseas investment

Summary in Chinese | 摘要

商务部、工信部、市场监管总局发布《汽车行业境外竞争行为与合规建设指引》，共四章二十条，为汽车企业境外竞争与合规建设提供参照。商务部合作司负责人解读称，2025年我国汽车出口832万辆，销往200多个国家和地区，企业已在80多个国家地区投资汽车制造业。该指引旨在提升企业合规经营能力和国际影响力，促进全球产业链供应链合作。

Commentary in Chinese | 评论

中国2025年出口汽车832万辆，覆盖200多国，80多国投资生产，出海已转向本地化运营。指引回应欧盟反补贴等贸易壁垒下的合规压力。比亚迪、名爵等品牌加速进入新西兰，低价电动车挤压日韩二手车利润，经销商需转向售后、充电等高毛利服务；同时中国车企本地合规需熟悉新西兰车辆认证和消费者法的服务商，形成细分机会。

合规指引有助稳定国际行为，执行取决于当地监管互动。

关键词: 汽车行业, 境外竞争, 合规建设, 商务部, 出口, 指引, 海外投资

Source: China.org.cn