BYD's Overseas Sales Surge Due to Rising Fuel Prices

Jakarta (ANTARA) - BYD recorded a surge in sales in overseas markets in April 2026, alongside growing interest in electric vehicles due to rising fuel prices resulting from the conflict in the Middle East.

Cited from Business Times on Sunday, in a report delivered via the Weibo platform, BYD stated that sales outside China increased 71% year-on-year to 134,542 units. However, this increase was not yet able to recover the cumulative vehicle deliveries, which dropped 16% to 321,123 units.

The strong performance in international market sales demonstrates the importance of global expansion for BYD, especially amid weakening domestic demand in China. The decline in domestic market demand was triggered by the end of government subsidies as well as increasing competition from other manufacturers such as Geely and Xiaomi.

BYD targets sales of around 1.3 million vehicles outside China throughout 2026, or an increase of about 25% compared to the previous year.

Nevertheless, the sales decline that has lasted for eight consecutive months in the domestic market, combined with tight price wars, has also pressured the company’s financial performance and increased short-term debt burdens.

To drive growth, BYD is relying on the launch of new models and the development of fast-charging battery technology. At the Beijing Auto Show, the company even occupied a full hall to showcase its multi-brand strategy as well as vehicles with the latest “blade” battery technology, which is said to be more advanced and safe.

One of BYD’s flagship models, the Great Tang SUV, was reported to have received more than 30,000 orders within the first 24 hours since its launch. The seven-seater vehicle is claimed to be capable of travelling nearly 1,000 kilometres on a single charge, with a starting price of around 250,000 yuan.

On the other hand, Chinese automakers are still relying on discounts to attract domestic consumers, even as the government attempts to curb the price war. It was recorded that the average price cut for BYD cars increased to up to 10% in March, the highest in the last two years.

This situation reflects the challenges faced by the electric automotive industry in China, where fierce competition and policy changes also affect market growth.