The agreement was
signed with Chongqing Xiaokang Import & Export, DFSK’s export arm,
according to a report published by Splash247 on October 15, 2026. The deal is
expected to strengthen cooperation between the shipping company and the
automaker as Chinese vehicle exports continue to expand. Under the agreement, the companies intend
to increase shipping volumes, allocate vessel capacity and develop global
shipping routes to support DFSK’s overseas vehicle distribution. However, the
companies have not disclosed the annual cargo commitment, freight rates, specific
routes, vessel allocations, contract commencement date or total financial
value. DFSK operates under Seres Group
and has exported more than 600,000 vehicles, establishing a presence in over 70
countries and regions. Its international expansion highlights the growing
demand for reliable maritime transport and integrated logistics services for
Chinese automotive manufacturers. The
agreement comes amid strong growth in China’s automotive exports, which is
driving demand for specialised pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs). Shipping
companies are expanding their vehicle-carrying capacity and developing
additional transport options to accommodate rising volumes and longer
international trade routes. COSCO
Shipping Specialized Carriers has also been using container ships and
multipurpose vessels to move vehicles overseas, complementing dedicated
car-carrier services. In August 2026, the company reported completing three
shipments that transported 13,052 Chery vehicles from Taicang Port to Europe
through containerised logistics.
The new ten-year
agreement with DFSK provides a longer-term framework for coordinating vehicle
shipments and shipping capacity. While the financial and operational details
remain undisclosed, the partnership reflects the increasing importance of
shipping companies in supporting China’s expanding automotive export supply
chains.