China Records Historic Trade Performance as Private Enterprises Drive Growth

China’s foreign trade reached an unprecedented level in 2025, driven by a broader range of trading partners and strong performance from private companies, according to newly released official statistics.

Data from the General Administration of Customs shows that the country’s total trade in goods rose to 45.47 trillion yuan (US$6.35 trillion), representing a 3.8 percent increase compared to the previous year. Export values grew by 6.1 percent to 26.99 trillion yuan, while imports saw a modest rise of 0.5 percent, totaling 18.48 trillion yuan.

This milestone further cements China’s status as the world’s largest trading nation in goods.

Trade expansion was particularly strong with emerging economies. China engaged in trade with more than 240 countries and regions, achieving growth with 190 trading partners.

Commerce with countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) increased by 6.3 percent to 23.6 trillion yuan, accounting for nearly 52 percent of overall trade activity. Trade volumes with ASEAN, Latin America, and Africa rose significantly, climbing 8 percent, 6.5 percent, and 18.4 percent, respectively.

China’s export profile continued to move toward higher-value and environmentally friendly products. Shipments of high-technology goods increased by 13.2 percent to 5.25 trillion yuan. Exports of key green technology products including electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, and solar panels surged by over 27 percent, while overseas sales of wind power equipment jumped nearly 49 percent.

Despite lower global commodity prices, imports showed steady improvement, especially in the latter half of the year. Import growth was recorded for three straight quarters from the second quarter onward.

For the year as a whole, imports of mechanical and electrical products rose 5.7 percent to 7.41 trillion yuan, with notable increases in electronic components and computer parts.

Participation by businesses in foreign trade also broadened. More than 780,000 companies were involved in import and export activities during the year.

Private enterprises remained the backbone of trade growth, recording transactions worth 26.04 trillion yuan, a 7.1 percent increase, and raising their contribution to 57.3 percent of China’s total trade.