In 2025, in the first 11 months, the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) exports of cars to Venezuela increased by 130% compared to the previous year. However, with major changes in the political situation in Venezuela, analysts believe that the sales prospects of Chinese brand cars in the local market and China’s investments over the years are facing greater risks.
The CCP is not only the largest buyer of oil in Venezuela but is also rapidly becoming its main supplier of cars.
Cui Dongshu, Secretary-General of the China Passenger Car Association, stated on the 4th of January that from January to November 2025, China exported a total of 17,099 cars to Venezuela, representing a staggering 130% increase compared to the previous year.
Among them, the export of passenger cars reached 12,011 units, showing a remarkable growth rate of 166%; while the export of trucks reached 6,481 units, with a growth rate of 99%.
According to reports from “Yicai,” by 2024, Chinese automaker Jianghuai had captured approximately 27% of the new car market share in Venezuela, mainly with pickup trucks and trucks. Moreover, 95% of Jianghuai vehicles sold in Venezuela are assembled locally, with a monthly output of around 500 units.
On January 3, 2026, the U.S. military successfully arrested the President of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife. Currently, the couple has appeared in court for the first time in New York, and U.S. President Trump has announced the temporary takeover of Venezuela by the United States.
Maduro is considered to be one of the “old friends” of the CCP. Venezuela is an important hub for the CCP’s Belt and Road Initiative in South America. In 2023, Maduro visited China, and the relationship between China and Venezuela was elevated to a “comprehensive strategic partnership,” with the two countries signing “over 600 agreements.”
In addition to car exports, Chinese state-owned enterprises are extensively involved in Venezuela’s telecommunications, energy, infrastructure, and Belt and Road projects, including direct maritime routes, grid support, and even in the field of air defense systems. China has at least $60 billion in investments in the country.
Chinese affairs expert Wang He stated that due to the incident involving Maduro, the CCP’s years of painstaking efforts in Latin America are facing a major setback. The entire region may need to reevaluate its relationship with China.