BEIJING, May 27 Reuters Brazil has overtaken Belgium as the largest export market for Chinese new energy vehicles, industry data showed, as Chinese carmakers increase sales to nonEuropean markets amid European Union39;s antisubsidy probe into Chinese electric vehicles.

Exports of pure electric and plugin hybrid cars to Brazil soared 13fold yearonyear to 40,163 units in April, making it the biggest export market for a second straight month, according to data from the China Passenger Car Association CPCA.

The steep increase in exports to Brazil, which was the 10th largest export market in January, comes ahead of a further increase in tariffs on EVs and hybrid vehicle imports from July as the South American country seeks to encourage local auto production.

Several Chinese automakers have already started increasing investments for local production in Brazil. BYD, has started building a manufacturing complex there to begin local production by yearend or in early 2025 and Great Wall Motor has said that its Brazil plant would begin operations this month.

Brazil also became China39;s secondlargest export destination for all cars in April, trailing Russia which retained its top spot.

Russia, which is subject to Western sanctions, is expected to remain China39;s largest car export market, said CPCA secretary general Cui Dongshu.

Spain, France, the Netherlands and Norway were among the countries that saw biggest falls in imports of Chinamade electric passenger vehicles in…