China EV and Battery Exports Surge Despite Trade War — Q1 2026 Shows +53% EVs, +34% Batteries YoY

China's clean technology export data for Q1 2026, released April 18, showed remarkable resilience despite the escalating US-China trade war. Electric vehicle exports jumped 53% year-over-year and lithium-ion battery shipments increased 34% YoY, driven by surging demand in Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. The figures reflect China's deepening dominance of the global clean energy supply chain even as US and EU tariffs intensify. BYD, CATL, and SAIC were the primary volume drivers, with BYD's overseas deliveries reaching a record quarter. The data came alongside confirmation that China has adjusted export tax rebates effective April 1: photovoltaic (PV) product rebates were eliminated entirely, while battery export rebates were reduced from 9% to 6% through year-end 2026 before full elimination in 2027 — signals that Beijing is prioritizing domestic value retention over export volume for strategic clean tech sectors. The Bloomberg analysis noted that China's clean tech exports are benefiting from global energy disruption linked to Middle East instability, which has accelerated deployment of renewable alternatives in non-US markets.