In a show of strength amid global challenges, the Chinese mainland’s total goods imports and exports climbed 2.9% year-on-year in the first half of 2025, reaching a staggering 21.79 trillion yuan ($3.04 trillion), according to the General Administration of Customs.
The growth was propelled by a robust export sector, which surged 7.2% to 13 trillion yuan, while imports experienced a slight dip of 2.7% to 8.79 trillion yuan. Notably, trade momentum picked up in June, with imports, exports, and total trade all posting year-on-year gains, indicating a rebound in growth rates.
Despite facing external pressures, the Chinese mainland’s foreign trade not only expanded in volume but also enhanced in quality, maintaining stability in key areas, according to customs officials.
Private enterprises led the charge in driving trade growth. Their combined imports and exports totaled 12.48 trillion yuan in the first half, marking a 7.3% increase year-on-year. This sector accounted for 57.3% of the national total, up 2.3 percentage points from the previous year.
Foreign-invested enterprises also contributed significantly, with imports and exports reaching 6.32 trillion yuan, up 2.4%. This marks five consecutive quarters of growth for these companies. The number of foreign-funded firms engaging in actual import-export activities rose to 75,000, the highest since 2021.
Trade with the European Union showed positive momentum, totaling 2.82 trillion yuan in the first six months of 2025, up 3.5% year-on-year. The trade relationship between the Chinese mainland and the EU has progressed remarkably, with annual trade volumes at the time of diplomatic ties’ establishment now matching current daily trade values.
Trade with other BRICS members and partner countries reached 6.11 trillion yuan, up 3.9%, representing 28.1% of the total trade volume.
Moreover, trade with countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) hit 11.29 trillion yuan, an increase of 4.7%, representing a significant 51.8% of the overall trade.
These figures underscore the Chinese mainland’s ongoing efforts to strengthen economic ties and promote global trade partnerships, despite facing a complex international landscape.
