China’s foreign trade is showing signs of stabilization in the first quarter of 2025, with exports surging 6.9% amid global economic challenges.
According to data released by China’s General Administration of Customs (GAC), the country’s total imports and exports reached 10.3 trillion yuan (approximately $1.41 trillion) in Q1 2025, marking a 1.3% year-on-year increase. This growth highlights a clear recovery trajectory in China’s trade performance.
Exports demonstrated particular resilience, growing to 6.13 trillion yuan. Despite headwinds in the global economy, China’s export sector has maintained robust growth.
“We have faced complex global pressures, but the sky won’t fall for China’s exports,” said Lyu Daliang, director of the GAC’s Department of Statistics and Analysis, during a press conference. Lyu emphasized China’s strategic focus on building diversified markets and deepening industrial and supply chain cooperation with global partners. “These efforts not only empower the development of our partners but also reinforce our own economic resilience,” he noted.
Advanced manufacturing sectors have been at the forefront of this growth. Shipbuilding and marine engineering equipment exports rose 10.8%, while specialized machinery shipments increased by 16.2%. These figures reflect China’s industrial upgrading towards high-end, intelligent, and environmentally friendly production.
China’s leadership in green technology also contributed significantly to export growth. Wind turbine exports surged 43.2%, lithium batteries grew by 18.8%, and electric vehicle exports increased by 8.2%, underscoring the nation’s pivotal role in global energy transition efforts.
On the import side, there was a 6% contraction to 4.17 trillion yuan. However, this decline masks divergent trends within imports. Increased industrial activity drove higher purchases of machinery components and production equipment, while stable consumer demand boosted imports of selected consumer goods. This pattern suggests that domestic consumption is gradually regaining momentum.
Private enterprises emerged as a vital growth engine, trading nearly 1 trillion yuan worth of high-tech products — a record high for any first quarter. Regional economic integration continued to strengthen, with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) consolidating its position as China’s top trading partner. Bilateral trade with ASEAN grew 7.1% to reach 1.71 trillion yuan, now accounting for 16.6% of China’s total foreign trade.
China’s strategic focus on expanding into diversified markets and enhancing cooperation with global partners positions it to navigate external uncertainties effectively. “We remain committed to strengthening our fundamentals — this internal certainty is our best response to global unpredictability,” Lyu said.
