SCIO briefing on China's imports, exports in first 3 quarters of 2025

National Business Daily:

We have noticed that despite the severe and complex external environment, China's imports and exports still achieved growth against the trend in the first three quarters. Could you analyze the reasons for this? In what ways is the resilience of China's foreign trade reflected? Thank you.

Wang Jun:

Thank you for your questions. Since the beginning of this year, our trade in goods has withstood pressure, achieved steady growth and shown strong resilience amid the complex environment, demonstrating confidence, vitality and determination.

Confidence is demonstrated mainly in the overall stable growth. As of September, China's imports and exports achieved year-on-year growth for four consecutive months. Major foreign trade provinces and cities have taken the lead, with the total imports and exports of Guangdong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shanghai and Shandong increasing by 5.2% in the first three quarters, contributing more than 80% to the country's total growth. From an international perspective, China's imports and exports accounted for 11.8% of the total global goods trade value, maintaining the country's position as the world's largest goods trader.

Vitality is demonstrated mainly in the new growth drivers. With the continuous development of new quality productive forces and the improving and upgrading of key industries, the structure of China's export products has been continuously optimized and innovated. Chinese-made robots have embraced a wider range of applications and become increasingly popular in the international market. In the first three quarters, exports of industrial robots increased by 54.9%. Exports of wind power-related products grew quickly, with exports of wind turbines and their parts increasing by 23.9%. In addition, Chinese intangible cultural heritage products such as dragon boats, wood carvings and paper cuttings have incorporated contemporary trendy elements, and become widely popular overseas.

Determination is demonstrated mainly in the foreign trade entities rising to the challenge and striving determinedly for progress. In the first three quarters, the number of foreign trade enterprises with actual import and export activity in China reached 700,000 for the first time, exceeding the total of the previous year. A recent survey has shown that an index tracking confidence in the country's export companies has risen for five consecutive months, and another tracking confidence in import enterprises has increased for three consecutive months. Thanks to this fearless and pioneering spirit, our circle of foreign trade partners has become more diverse. International data showed that during the period from January to July, China was among the top three trading partners of 166 countries and regions worldwide, which was an increase of 14 compared to the same period last year.

Since the beginning of 2025, the global economy has faced increasing instability and uncertainty, with unilateralism and protectionism on the rise, putting pressure on China's foreign trade sector. However, our country enjoys a stable economic foundation, numerous advantages, strong resilience and enormous potential. With unchanging supporting conditions and a basic trend of long-term improvement, as well as a super-large market and complete industrial system, China's foreign trade has sustained its strong resilience and vitality, providing support for the stable development in the next stage. Thank you.