# Trade Trends

The Great Displacement: Chinese Automakers Overtake Japan in Australia’s Key Battleground

In February 2026, Chinese automakers officially surpassed Japanese brands in Australian sales, ending 28 years of Japanese market dominance. Driven by high-spec value pricing, localized utility models like the BYD Shark 6, and a global energy crisis that sent local fuel prices soaring, China has established itself as the new leader in the Australian automotive market.