In May 2026, China exported 1,658 new energy buses over 3.5 tons, representing a year-on-year (YoY) increase of 9.51% and a month-on-month (MoM) rise of 16.03%, with both growth rates hovering around 10%.
Monthly Ranking: Yutong Leads, BYD Follows, Higer Ranks Third
Yutong reclaimed the top spot—up from sixth place in April—with 509 units exported, making it the only brand to surpass the 500-unit mark in the month. The company posted a remarkable 94.27% YoY surge and an industry-leading 380.19% MoM jump, capturing a 30.70% market share. Its May volume nearly matched its total exports from January to April, underscoring a strong growth trajectory.
BYD secured second place with 343 units, accounting for a 20.69% market share.
Higer ranked third with 209 units, up 148.81% YoY and 2.45% MoM, holding a 12.61% market share.
Growth Highlights among Top 10 Brands
Five of the top 10 brands posted YoY growth. Chery Wanda led with a staggering 1,166.67% YoY increase, while Golden Dragon, Ankai, and Higer all more than doubled their YoY shipments. Ankai's YoY growth reached 185.71%.
At least four brands recorded MoM growth, with Yutong and Zhongtong both achieving over 370% MoM increases, more than doubling their monthly volumes.
Cumulative Performance (Jan–May 2026)
From January to May 2026, total exports of Chinese new energy buses over 3.5 tons reached 7,589 units, up 28.02% YoY.
Cumulative Ranking: BYD Holds Top Spot, Yutong Moves to Second, Higer Third
BYD maintained its industry-leading position with 1,919 cumulative units, the only brand with total shipments exceeding 1,900 units. It recorded a 10.80% YoY increase and commanded a 25.29% market share.
Driven by exceptional May sales, Yutong climbed from fifth to second place with 1,055 units, a 56.07% YoY rise and a 13.90% market share.
Higer advanced from fourth to third place with 829 units, a 60.04% YoY increase and a 10.92% market share.
Growth Highlights & Industry Dynamics
Seven of the top 10 brands achieved YoY growth, with Ankai leading the pack with an extraordinary 896.05% YoY surge.
Compared with the January–April ranking, notable shifts occurred across the board. Only BYD retained its top position, while Chery Wanda, King Long, and Skywell held their prior ranks. The overall top 10 lineup remained unchanged from Q1, though Yutong's strong May performance pushed its cumulative total above 1,000 units and significantly reshuffled the top five standings.
Overall Industry Outlook
The overall export volume of Chinese new energy buses remains relatively modest. Monthly shipments of around 200 units are sufficient to secure a top-two ranking, while the 9th- and 10th-ranked brands average fewer than 50 units per month—and in May, even fewer than 30 units could secure a top-10 position. These figures highlight the considerable room for growth as Chinese new energy bus exports continue to expand their presence in overseas markets.
