China's auto parts exports remained robust in September. According to customs data compiled by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), released on November 5, auto parts exports in September reached $9.71 billion, up 7.5% month-on-month and 24.4% year-on-year; cumulative exports from January to September 2026 totaled $79.11 billion, up 10.1% year-on-year. Just one day before the data release, the 140th Canton Fair concluded in Guangzhou on November 4. This edition attracted 352,000 overseas buyers from 219 countries and regions, a 12.2% increase over the previous session, setting a new record; 32,000 enterprises participated, showcasing 4.88 million exhibits. For parts suppliers, the number of buyers is more indicative than total transaction value-it reflects how many overseas buyers are willing to visit in person to view samples and negotiate orders, rather than merely chatting online. Import data also highlights this trend: auto parts imports in September amounted to $1.20 billion, down 10.7% month-on-month and 33.8% year-on-year; cumulative imports from January to September reached $13.78 billion, down 13.8% year-on-year. With exports rising and imports falling, it indicates that an increasing number of links in the auto parts supply chain are now being completed domestically in China. This shortens delivery times for overseas buyers but also raises the bar for suppliers who previously relied on imported assemblies. Overall, the import and export performance of automotive goods remained stable. In September, the total import and export volume of automotive products reached $33.44 billion, representing a month-on-month increase of 9.3% and a year-on-year increase of 34.3%. Exports alone amounted to $30.97 billion, up 47.2% year-on-year. From January to September, cumulative imports and exports totaled $261.08 billion, a year-on-year rise of 26.2%. What do these figures mean for overseas buyers procuring safety-critical friction components such as brake discs and brake drums? Two points are worth noting. First, production capacity is not the issue: for most importers, the challenge lies in selecting from among numerous suppliers rather than in finding suppliers altogether. Second, relying solely on price is no longer reliable. Before placing orders for the following year, dealers and repair chains increasingly demand that suppliers provide comprehensive quality documentation, verifiable material grades, and traceable heat treatment and testing records. For importers planning procurement for 2027, the fourth quarter is typically the traditional window for exchanging drawings, confirming specifications, and finalizing production capacity. Brake discs and brake drums made of gray cast iron and ductile iron are often the first categories to be re-inquired about, as they involve both safety and inventory risks: if suppliers cannot maintain stable control over materials and processes, quality assurance risks will cascade downstream. Dingzheng is a manufacturer of brake discs and brake drums based in China, collaborating with importers and repair market dealers on customized and OE-compatible projects. Buyers preparing for their 2027 procurement needs can request specifications, samples, and mold information through the contact details published on the website.
China Auto Parts Exports Up 24.4% in September As Canton Fair Draws Record Buyers
