China's foreign trade posts robust growth in the first half of 2026

China's foreign trade maintained strong momentum in the first half of 2026, underscoring the resilience of the world's second-largest economy despite lingering global uncertainties.

Data released by the General Administration of Customs on Tuesday showed that the country's total goods trade reached 25.47 trillion yuan ($3.75 trillion) between January and June, up 16.9% year on year.

In June alone, total imports and exports climbed 24.2% from a year earlier to 4.78 trillion yuan, marking the 17th consecutive month of growth.

High-tech exports lead the way

China's exports continued to shift toward higher-end manufacturing and advanced technologies.

Exports have expanded for 11 consecutive quarters, with high-tech products surging 39% year on year to 3.26 trillion yuan.

Mechanical and electrical products accounted for 63.5% of total exports. Shipments of industrial robots continued to expand, reflecting China's growing strength in advanced manufacturing, while home appliance exports benefited from improving product quality and stronger brand recognition.

Imports hit record high

China's imports also reached a new milestone, exceeding 10 trillion yuan for the first time in the first half of any year.

Import growth outpaced exports by 8.7 percentage points, contributing to a more balanced trade structure.

Imports of major commodities increased 3.4%, while imports of mechanical and electrical products and agricultural products rose 28% and 8.6%, respectively.

Private firms remain the driving force

Private enterprises continued to play the leading role in China's foreign trade.

Their total imports and exports reached 14.53 trillion yuan, up 17% year on year, accounting for 57% of China's total foreign trade and making them the largest contributor to overall trade growth.

Foreign-invested enterprises recorded trade growth for the ninth consecutive quarter, while state-owned enterprises posted 16.8% growth, with all three major market players maintaining solid momentum.

Diversified markets strengthen resilience

China's efforts to diversify its overseas markets continued to pay off.

Trade with Africa grew 19.6%, supported by China's expanded zero-tariff policy for eligible African products.

Trade with Belt and Road partner countries totaled 12.97 trillion yuan, up 14.8% year on year and accounting for 50.9% of China's total foreign trade.

Meanwhile, trade with neighboring countries rose 20.6% to 9.44 trillion yuan, highlighting the deepening regional economic integration.

China's latest trade figures point to not only steady growth in overall trade volume, but also continued progress in upgrading its export structure, expanding imports and diversifying international markets, reinforcing the country's role as a key stabilizer of global trade.