Overview
According to data compiled from China's General Administration of Customs (GAC), the internal combustion engine (ICE) industry recorded a total import-export value of USD 13.754 billion during January-April 2026, representing a year-on-year increase of 13.77%. Of this, imports reached USD 3.673 billion (+19.41% YoY) and exports reached USD 10.081 billion (+11.84% YoY).
China's Overall Foreign Trade
According to GAC statistics, China's total foreign trade in goods reached USD 2,326.069 billion in the first four months of 2026, up 18.2% year-on-year. Exports stood at USD 1,336.884 billion (+14.5%) and imports at USD 989.185 billion (+23.6%), resulting in a trade surplus of USD 347.699 billion. Overall, foreign trade remained stable.
Lv Daliang, Director-General of the Department of Statistical Analysis at GAC, noted that since the beginning of this year, regions and departments across China have taken proactive measures and implemented comprehensive policies. China's foreign trade has started off strongly, fully demonstrating the resilience and vitality of its import-export sector. In April alone, China's imports and exports grew at a double-digit rate year-on-year, and increased by 6.5% month-on-month compared to March, indicating a sound trajectory for foreign trade operations.
Internal Combustion Engine Industry: Trade Performance
Specifically for the internal combustion engine industry, both imports and exports grew year-on-year, with exports outpacing imports in growth rate.
The total import-export value for the ICE industry during January-April 2026 was USD 13.754 billion, up 13.77% YoY. Imports reached USD 3.673 billion (+19.41% YoY) and exports reached USD 10.081 billion (+11.84% YoY).
Import Breakdown by Category
Among import values, all subcategories of internal combustion engines showed year-on-year growth except gasoline engines:
- Diesel engines: USD 645 million (+20.81% YoY)
- Gasoline engines: USD 99 million (-4.99% YoY)
- Other complete engines: USD 908 million (+20.53% YoY)
- Engine components: USD 1.642 billion (+13.43% YoY)
- Generator sets: USD 378 million (+59.95% YoY)
Export Breakdown by Category
Among export values, all subcategories showed year-on-year growth:
- Diesel engines: USD 482 million (+14.68% YoY)
- Gasoline engines: USD 691 million (+1.27% YoY)
- Other complete engines: USD 1.236 billion (+14.45% YoY)
- Engine components: USD 5.120 billion (+6.54% YoY)
- Generator sets: USD 2.551 billion (+26.02% YoY)
Detailed Data Charts
