In the first half of 2026, China's import and export trade demonstrated strong momentum, characterized by stable scale, an optimized structure, and robust growth drivers. The total value of goods imports and exports reached 25.47 trillion yuan, up 16.9% year on year, maintaining China's position as the world's largest country in goods trade.

Key Data and Growth Highlights

• Overall scale: Exports reached 14.73 trillion yuan in the first half of the year, up 13.4%, while imports reached 10.74 trillion yuan, up 22.1%, significantly improving trade balance.

• Regional performance: The total import and export value of the Yangtze River Delta region reached a record high for the same period, at 9.62 trillion yuan; Hebei Province ranked fourth nationwide in foreign trade growth, with a year-on-year increase of 33.2%.

• Business vitality: Private enterprises accounted for 57% of total imports and exports, becoming an important force in stabilizing foreign trade; 115,000 new enterprises with import and export operations were added in the first half of the year.

• Market diversification: Imports and exports with countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative recorded significant growth. ASEAN became the largest trading partner of several provinces, while imports and exports with free trade agreement partners such as RCEP members grew by 28.1%.

• Upgraded export structure: The “new three” and high-tech products took the lead

China's export products are rapidly shifting toward higher-end, smarter, and greener offerings. Exports of high-tech products grew by 39%, becoming a new growth driver for foreign trade:

• Electric vehicle exports grew by 68.7%, integrated circuit exports by 88.7%, and industrial robots maintained growth of 18.6%.

• The “new three” energy products—new energy vehicles, lithium batteries, and photovoltaic products—continued to gain popularity, while electromechanical products, household appliances, and auto parts became the main export products.

• Imports and exports of computing hardware, including smart terminals, communications equipment, and digital accessories, grew substantially by 56.6%.

• Cross-border trade facilitation and the development of new business models

The General Administration of Customs is advancing the 15th Five-Year Plan, comprehensively accelerating cross-border trade facilitation and helping enterprises reduce costs and improve efficiency:

• Cross-border e-commerce is developing rapidly. 140 million people in China have already made global purchases through cross-border e-commerce, while cross-border e-commerce exports through overseas warehouses grew 3.3 times.

• Faster customs clearance: The “one-stop, two inspections” model is being promoted, and the internationalization of the International Trade Single Window is being enhanced. The “self-declaration and benefit enjoyment” model for import declarations has shortened processing time from “days” to “minutes”.

• Future planning: By 2030, it is expected that more than 90% of ports will be equipped with intelligent inspection equipment, making “unnoticeable customs clearance” the norm.