Chinese EV leader BYD delivered strong July sales, sending its shares higher in overseas trading. Export markets are supporting the Tesla competitor.

In July, BYD sold 411,072 passenger vehicles, up 21% year over year, including 233,015 all-electric cars, up 31% year over year. The company exported a record 180,538 vehicles in July, up about 125% year over year.

In China, BYD sold about 239,000 vehicles, including commercial vehicles, down 22% year over year. The Chinese car market has been difficult lately, with slowing growth and more competition. Export markets have been a safety valve for BYD, but it has come at the expense of European car maker profits.

BYD shares were up 0.8% in overseas trading on Monday. That left shares down less than 1% this year.

Chinese EV maker XPeng delivered 38,027 vehicles in July, up 4% year over year. That wasn't enough for investors. XPeng stock was down 3.1% in overseas trading. Coming into Monday trading, U.S.-listed ADRs were down 36% this year. Falling sales have weighed on investor sentiment. Through July, XPeng sold about 204,000 cars, down 13% year over year.

Li Auto delivered 30,468 vehicles last month, flat year over year. Li stock was down 2.9% in overseas trading. Coming into Monday trading, Li's U.S.-listed ADRs were down 19% this year. Through July, Li delivered about 224,000 cars, down 5% year over year.

NIO delivered 35,934 vehicles in July, up 71% year over year. Strong growth has helped shares, relatively speaking. Its stock was down a more modest 1% in overseas trading on Monday. Through July, NIO delivered 227,000 cars, up 68% year over year. Coming into the week, NIO's U.S.-listed ADRs were down 4% this year.

NIO has managed growth, partly due to new models, but a weakening Chinese car market has been a headwind for car stocks, including Tesla. The U.S. EV makers generate about 20% of sales in China.

Through June, Tesla sold about 239,000 cars in China, down 9% year over year, according to the China Passenger Car Association. Tesla doesn't report regional or monthly sales.

Coming into Monday trading, Tesla stock was off more than 30% this year. China, of course, is only one factor. Tesla investors also want to see more progress on its AI efforts, including robo-taxis.

Tesla stock was up 0.5% in early trading on Monday, while S&P 500 futures were up 0.6%.