The Pure Car Truck Carrier (PCTC) market has reached a significant turning point following a period of strong activity from 2021 to 2024, during which over 280 new orders were placed for PCTC vessels. However, as 2025 approaches, only six agreements for PCTC shipbuilding have been recorded, indicating a notable decline in new orders amidst shifting market dynamics. This contrasts sharply with the boom in the delivery of PCTC vessels, with 75 new vehicles joining the global fleet, achieving a historic high in deliveries.

As the global economy continues to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for PCTC vessels soared, driven by increased exports of vehicles from China. Companies in the shipping sector, including several new entrants, invested heavily in these vessels, anticipating significant growth in the vehicle export market, particularly from China which has become the focal point for automotive production. Notably, the participation of both European and Japanese manufacturers in Chinese assembly plants underscores this trend, as these firms seek to capitalize on the burgeoning market for electric vehicles.

The strategic collaborations, such as the one between Mazda and Changan Automobile aimed at producing electric models, highlight the increasing concentration of vehicle production in China. This not only reflects changing consumer demands but also indicates that global automakers recognize the necessity of establishing a presence in China to remain competitive and adapt to forthcoming market transitions toward full electrification. Such developments have important implications for the future of global trade in automotive transport and shipping logistics, which could be strongly influenced by the growth patterns of Chinese vehicle exports and the evolving landscape of global manufacturing.