China’s foreign trade hit 29.57 trillion yuan in the first eight months of 2025, marking a 3.5 percent rise from the same period last year. This growth comes amid global economic challenges, driven by strong exports and key partnerships, according to official customs data released on September 8, 2025.
Key Trade Figures Show Steady Progress
Experts point to this increase as a sign of China’s economic resilience. Total trade reached about 4.12 trillion dollars, with exports climbing 6.9 percent to 17.61 trillion yuan. Imports dipped 1.2 percent to 11.96 trillion yuan, creating a trade surplus that supports overall stability.
This performance builds on earlier trends. In the first half of 2025, trade grew by 2.9 percent, and exports rose 7.2 percent. By July, China recorded a trade surplus of 98.24 billion dollars, the highest in recent months. These numbers reflect how China has navigated tariffs and supply chain issues.
The data aligns with broader economic indicators. China’s GDP grew 5.3 percent in the first half of 2025, fueled by industrial output and exports. This trade boost helps offset weaker domestic consumption after the pandemic.
Shifts in Major Trading Partners
Trade patterns shifted notably in 2025. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations stayed China’s top partner, with bilateral trade at 4.93 trillion yuan, up 9.7 percent. This accounts for 16.7 percent of total trade.
The European Union ranked second, with trade valued at 3.88 trillion yuan, a 4.3 percent increase. In contrast, trade with the United States fell 13.5 percent to 2.73 trillion yuan, likely due to ongoing tariffs.
Belt and Road partner countries saw trade rise 5.4 percent to 15.3 trillion yuan, making up over half of China’s foreign trade. This diversification reduces reliance on traditional markets.
- Trade with ASEAN: Up 9.7 percent, driven by manufacturing and tech goods.
- Trade with EU: Grew 4.3 percent, focused on machinery and vehicles.
- Trade with US: Down 13.5 percent, affected by trade barriers.
These changes highlight China’s push toward emerging markets. For instance, exports to ASEAN jumped 17 percent in the first half, while those to the US dropped 16.1 percent.
Boom in High-Tech Exports
High-tech sectors led export growth. Mechanical and electrical products reached 10.6 trillion yuan, up 9.2 percent and forming 60.2 percent of total exports.
Specific items showed strong gains. Integrated circuits exports increased 23.3 percent, automobiles rose 11.9 percent, and data processing equipment edged up 0.6 percent.
This focus on innovation ties into China’s long-term strategy. The country has invested heavily in electric vehicles and semiconductors, helping it weather global slowdowns.
Global Events Shape Trade Trends
Recent global events influenced these results. US tariffs under President Trump aimed to curb Chinese exports, but China adapted by boosting ties with Asia and Europe.
For example, in the first quarter of 2025, China’s economy grew 5.4 percent, beating expectations before new tariffs hit. This resilience comes from a strong supply chain and self-reliance policies.
Trade with developing nations grew faster than with developed ones. This mirrors a broader shift, as seen in record surpluses like the 586 billion dollars in the first half.
| Category | Growth Rate | Value (Trillion Yuan) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Trade | 3.5% | 29.57 |
| Exports | 6.9% | 17.61 |
| Imports | -1.2% | 11.96 |
| Mechanical Products | 9.2% | 10.6 |
| Trade with ASEAN | 9.7% | 4.93 |
What Lies Ahead for China’s Economy
Looking forward, analysts expect continued growth if China maintains its diversification efforts. The third consecutive month of rising exports and imports in August signals positive momentum.
Challenges remain, such as currency fluctuations and economic uncertainty. Yet, with strong performance in high-tech areas, China could achieve its 5 percent annual growth target.
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