Tesla’s vehicle sales and export data from China in January 2026 highlight a familiar quarterly pattern, with domestic deliveries declining while exports from Giga Shanghai increased significantly.
According to newly released figures by the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), Tesla sold 18,485 vehicles in China in January, representing a steep 45% decline compared to the same month last year. The Model Y remained Tesla’s dominant vehicle, accounting for 91% of local deliveries, while the Model 3 represented the remaining 9%.
The slowdown in local deliveries, however, was largely offset by a dramatic increase in exports. Tesla shipped 50,644 vehicles from China in January, marking the highest export total since Giga Shanghai began production and a 71.47% increase compared to January 2025.
Breaking down the export figures further, Tesla shipped 28,573 Model 3 units and 22,071 Model Y units abroad in January.
This export-heavy start to the year follows Tesla’s typical quarterly delivery strategy. Tesla prioritizes vehicles built at the start of a quarter for export, before shifting focus to domestic deliveries later in the period. This pattern helps Tesla optimize shipping efficiency while ensuring vehicles reach international markets in time for regional delivery cycles.
Tesla’s wholesale figures further reinforce this trend. The company reported 69,129 total vehicles produced and delivered from Giga Shanghai in January, with exports accounting for roughly 73% of that volume. This marks one of the highest export ratios on record for the facility.
Giga Shanghai remains Tesla’s most efficient and highest-volume production facility globally. The factory not only serves the Chinese market but also supplies vehicles to numerous export destinations, allowing Tesla to balance demand across multiple regions.
