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

Jimu News:

I would like to learn more about the development of foreign trade in western China. Could you give us a detailed overview of the region's imports and exports in the first three quarters of this year? Thank you.

Wang Jun:

Certainly, and thank you for your interest in this topic. In recent years, western China has advanced its development through greater openness, gradually transforming from a landlocked hinterland into a new frontier of opening up. In 2024, the region's total imports and exports exceeded 4 trillion yuan for the first time, accounting for 9.2% of China's overall foreign trade. During the first three quarters of this year, foreign trade in the western region maintained strong momentum, reaching 3.21 trillion yuan, up 10.2% year on year. This growth can be attributed to three main factors: 

First, the dual driving forces of traditional and emerging industries. The region has continued to upgrade and improve the quality and efficiency of its distinctive and competitive industries. In the first three quarters, exports of traditional manufacturing products such as home appliances, motorcycles, and furniture grew by more than 20%. The deep processing of specialty agricultural products has greatly increased their added value, enabling products like coffee extract and caviar to reach global markets more quickly. The region is simultaneously advancing modern manufacturing and strategic emerging industries. Exports of high-tech products, such as advanced equipment, electronic information, and biopharmaceuticals, surpassed 450 billion yuan, marking a 26.4% increase. 

Second, faster progress in developing both trade platforms and logistics corridors. Recently, the comprehensive bonded zone at Chongqing's international railway port passed inspection, bringing the total number of such zones in western China to 41. This has further enhanced the region's appeal and capacity for enterprises. Simultaneously, major connectivity projects such as the New International Land–Sea Trade Corridor and the China-Europe freight trains are progressing, forming a comprehensive network of trade routes. In the first three quarters, imports and exports via the New International Land–Sea Trade Corridor totaled 611.5 billion yuan, up 19.3%, contributing 3.4 percentage points to the region's foreign trade growth.

Third, enhanced vitality and greater capability among market participants. A growing number of enterprises — private, foreign-funded, and state-owned — are focusing on developing in the west. In the first three quarters, 41,000 companies in western China recorded import and export activity, up 11.8% year on year. Among China's top 100 foreign trade enterprises, 12 are now based in the western region, two more than in the same period last year.

This year, China held its first-ever central conference on work related to neighboring countries, bringing new opportunities for the western region's opening-up and development. Customs authorities will increase efforts to support the region and further leverage its geographical advantages. The optimization of ports, and upgrading of trade corridors increase both domestic and international openness in western China. Thank you.