China's foreign trade reached CNY25.47 trillion in H1 2026, with exports up 13.4% and imports rising 22.1%, marking significant growth.
China's foreign trade grew 16.9 per cent year on year in the first half of 2026 to CNY25.47 trillion (US$3.75 trillion), marking the first time the figure has exceeded CNY25 trillion for the period, reported China Daily.
Exports rose 13.4 per cent to CNY14.73 trillion, maintaining growth for 11 consecutive quarters, while imports expanded 22.1 per cent to CNY10.74 trillion, outpacing export growth and supporting more balanced trade.
Deputy customs chief Wang Jun said trade momentum remained strong, with second quarter imports and exports hitting CNY13.61 trillion, up 18.4 per cent year on year, the highest quarterly growth since 2021. June alone saw a 24.2 per cent rise, marking 17 straight months of expansion.
Trade with Belt and Road countries rose 14.8 per cent to CNY12.97 trillion, accounting for over half of total trade. Commerce with Latin America, Africa, and the EU also posted double-digit growth, while private enterprises contributed 57 per cent of total trade value.
Exports of mechanical and electrical products rose 20.1 per cent to CNY9.36 trillion, while high-tech exports surged 39 per cent to CNY3.26 trillion. Sporting goods exports reached CNY67.53 billion, with balls alone accounting for CNY3.08 billion.
Amid global heatwaves, home appliance exports totaled CNY360.96 billion, including CNY107.91 billion of cooling appliances. Customs officials said innovation and market vitality will sustain momentum despite external headwinds in the second half.
