China’s foreign trade surged 18.3 percent year-on-year during January and February 2026, reaching a total of 7.73 trillion yuan ($1.12 trillion), according to official data. Exports rose 19.2 percent to 4.62 trillion yuan, while imports grew 17.1 percent to 3.11 trillion yuan, reflecting strong global demand and industrial strength.
Trade with key partners also expanded significantly. Trade with ASEAN countries reached 1.24 trillion yuan, up 20.3 percent, while trade with the European Union rose 19.9 percent to 998.94 billion yuan. Belt and Road Initiative countries also recorded strong growth with trade totaling 4.02 trillion yuan, up 20 percent.
Private enterprises were the main driver of trade growth, accounting for 4.51 trillion yuan, a 22.8 percent increase. Foreign-invested companies contributed 2.2 trillion yuan, up 15.3 percent, while state-owned enterprises recorded 1 trillion yuan, up 7.4 percent. Analysts say these figures indicate strong momentum for China’s economy and global trade influence.
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