Portuguese 
The Chinese manufacturer faces increasing competition in its domestic market while expanding factories, dealerships, and products for other countries; in Brazil, Camaçari gains importance and could help serve other markets in Latin America.
BYD has already sold 44% of its vehicles outside China after reporting a 71% increase in international sales in the first half of 2026, exceeding the mark of 790,000 units. According to information published by Motor1 Brazil on Friday (28), this expansion signifies a significant shift in the company’s strategy, which for years concentrated most of its operations in the Chinese market.
In practice, more than four in ten vehicles sold by BYD now find buyers outside of China. Thus, markets like Brazil, Europe, Mexico, and Southeast Asia have evolved from being mere export destinations to holding a more crucial position in the company’s industrial plans.
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In addition to increasing sales, the manufacturer is building factories, developing products specific to different regions, and even using its own ships to transport vehicles. This way, internationalization is beginning to alter the very structure of the business.
BYD Surpasses 790,000 Vehicles Outside China as Domestic Market Becomes More Difficult
The international push comes at a time when growth within China has become more challenging.
The world’s largest automotive market is facing intense price competition among electrified vehicle manufacturers. BYD, Geely, Chery, SAIC, and various other local companies are competing for consumers, while newer players like Xiaomi increase the pressure even further.
In this scenario, BYD itself has felt the effects of the competition. The company’s revenue fell 3.2% in the second quarter of 2026.
However, net profit has resumed growth after four consecutive quarters of decline. The figure stood at approximately 8.2 billion yuan, or US$ 1.22 billion, according to data released on Friday.
Simultaneously, international operations have begun to directly aid the manufacturer’s profitability. The gross margin from overseas business reached 22%.
Thus, selling cars outside China is not merely a way to boost volume. International markets have also started to contribute significantly to the company’s financial results.
BYD’s International Sales Grow 71% and Shift the Balance of Foreign Markets in Business
The figures illustrate the speed of this transformation.
In the first half, international sales surged 71% year-over-year, surpassing 790,000 vehicles. Consequently, international markets accounted for 44% of the manufacturer’s total sales.
This proportion brings BYD close to a symbolic milestone: selling half of its vehicles outside the country where it was born.
Furthermore, the international expansion occurs as the company enhances its industrial presence. Instead of relying solely on cars produced in China, the manufacturer is beginning to establish local operations in strategically important markets.
This transformation specifically includes the Brazilian automotive market, where Asian manufacturers have been rapidly expanding their presence.
Brazil Gains Ground with BYD Factory in Camaçari
In Brazil, the shift occurred within a few years.
BYD officially began selling passenger cars in the country at the end of 2021. Since then, it has quickly expanded its lineup with models such as Tan, Han, Dolphin, Dolphin Mini, Yuan Plus, Song Plus, King, and Shark.
At the same time, the company accelerated the opening of dealerships and increased its market share in segments where Chinese manufacturers had limited presence.
The next stage was industrial.
The former Ford factory in Camaçari, Bahia, became BYD’s main production project in the country and a key part of its strategy for Latin America.
With a local operation, the manufacturer can gradually reduce its reliance on imported vehicles from China. Additionally, it gains the opportunity to increase domestic content and develop cars tailored to Brazilian characteristics.
This type of industrial transformation occurs alongside the advancement of new technologies that are rapidly changing various sectors of the economy.
Flex Hybrids Show How BYD is Starting to Adapt Cars to Brazil
One of the clearest examples of the strategy is the flex hybrids.
The manufacturer is developing systems capable of combining electrification with ethanol, a fuel that holds a unique position in Brazil’s energy matrix.
The Atto 2 DM-i Flex is part of this new phase. At the same time, BYD is preparing to enter other segments and increase the number of models offered and produced in the country.
Therefore, the strategy goes beyond bringing vehicles originally designed for Chinese consumers.
The company is beginning to develop solutions related to the conditions of the markets where it plans to grow.
Brazil Could Become BYD’s Base to Serve Other Latin American Countries
Brazil’s industrial structure also opens another possibility: using the country as a base to supply neighboring markets.
Manufacturers based in Brazil have utilized this strategy for decades, especially within Mercosur. As BYD’s production gains scale, the Camaçari operation could play a similar role.
In this case, the Brazilian investment would no longer only serve local consumers and would become part of a regional network.
This is a significant change, especially as foreign markets are rapidly gaining importance within the company.
With 44% of sales made outside of China, expanding factories and commercial structures in various countries is becoming a way to keep up with international growth and reduce dependence on the domestic market.
The expansion also aligns with a broader transformation of the Chinese industry, which seeks to increase its international presence through production, logistics, and new solutions developed for different markets.
BYD Approaches Selling Half of Its Vehicles Outside of China
The more than 790,000 vehicles sold internationally in just six months demonstrate how BYD’s strategy has scaled up.
A few years ago, the company relied heavily on the Chinese market. Now, 44 out of every 100 vehicles sold by BYD are going to buyers in other countries.
At the same time, international expansion is gaining financial importance. The gross margin from foreign operations reached 22%, while competition within China continues to pressure manufacturers.
In this context, Brazil, Europe, Mexico, and Southeast Asia are no longer just additional growth opportunities.
They are becoming part of a strategy that could determine how far BYD can advance as a global manufacturer.
Do you believe that BYD could eventually sell more cars outside of China than inside the country, and what role could Brazil play in this expansion?
