China Auto Data Market
China’s new data framework could upend how U.S. automakers collect, analyze, and export vehicle data—especially for advanced driver assistance systems.
On June 13, 2025, China released draft guidelines for regulating the export of automotive data generated within its borders. Jointly issued by eight agencies—including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), and the National Data Administration (NDA)—the draft guidelines mark China’s most detailed effort to date to define and restrict “important data” in the auto sector.
The draft identifies 49 types of automotive data across five categories as potentially “important” and subject to review:
- Product R&D;
- Vehicle Manufacturing;
- Advanced Driver Assistance/Autonomous Driving;
- Software Updates; and,
- Internet of Vehicles (IoV) data
China’s aim for these rules is to strengthen national security protections while promoting transparency and standardization across the industry.
Why It Matters for U.S. Companies
China is the world’s largest auto market, selling more than 31 million total vehicles, including New Energy Vehicle (NEV) sales of 12.8 million.
While the export of automotive data from China could help to further international companies’ advanced driver assistance capabilities, U.S. firms operating in China’s EV, autonomous driving, and connected tech segments should be aware of the challenges under the draft rules (following are several examples):
- Cross-Border Data Restrictions: The guidelines reinforce China’s “data sovereignty” approach, complicating the use of China-origin data for global AI model training, R&D, and performance analysis.
- Uncertainty in Definitions: Companies must assess whether data collected can be used to deduce geographic, infrastructure, or behavioral information considered sensitive by Chinese authorities.
- Increased Compliance Costs: U.S. automakers will need robust internal controls to determine whether vehicle data might be deemed sensitive—even hypothetically.
U.S. Firms Should Consider the following:
- Review and fully understand data flows from China-based operations
- Engage local legal counsel to interpret how the draft applies to your business
- Monitor the rulemaking process and consult with the U.S. Commercial Service for updates
Need Help?
U.S. companies with operations in China’s automotive or mobility sectors should reach out to the U.S. Commercial Service in China for assistance. Contact Commercial Specialist Lisa Ouyang at lisa.ouyang@trade.gov.