China’s foreign trade continued on a growth trajectory in the first seven months of 2025, with total imports and exports reaching 25.7 trillion yuan (around $3.6 trillion), marking a 3.5% year-on-year increase, according to data from the General Administration of Customs released Thursday.
This marks an improvement from the 2.9% growth recorded in the first half of the year, reflecting stronger export performance and a slower decline in imports. Exports rose 7.3% to 15.31 trillion yuan, while imports fell 1.6% to 10.39 trillion yuan, though the drop was 1.1 percentage points narrower than in H1 2025.
ASEAN Leads as Top Trade Partner
By region, ASEAN remained China’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching 4.29 trillion yuan, up 9.4% and accounting for 16.7% of total trade. The European Union followed with 3.35 trillion yuan in trade (up 3.9%), representing 13% of the total. Trade with the United States stood at 2.42 trillion yuan, down 11.1%, making up 9.4% of overall trade.
Meanwhile, trade with countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative reached 13.29 trillion yuan, up 5.5% year-on-year.
Private Enterprises Drive Momentum
Private enterprises played a key role, with imports and exports totalling 14.68 trillion yuan, reflecting a 7.4% rise and comprising 57.1% of total trade, a 2.1 percentage point increase compared to the same period last year.
Foreign-invested enterprises also saw stable growth, contributing 7.46 trillion yuan to trade, up 2.6%, and accounting for 29% of the total.
High-Tech Exports Show Strength
Mechanical and electrical products remained the main export drivers, making up 60% of total exports. Notable increases were seen in the export of automatic data processing equipment, integrated circuits, and automobiles, underscoring China’s shift toward new quality productive forces and tech-driven trade.
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