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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) — China's foreign trade volume has successively exceeded the 40 trillion yuan (about 5.71 trillion U.S. dollars) and 45 trillion yuan thresholds over the past five years, reaching 45.47 trillion yuan in 2025. This means the country's foreign trade has maintained growth for the ninth consecutive year since 2017, according to customs data.
The country's robust foreign trade performance represents much more than just impressive figures. High-tech and environmentally friendly exports, tariff reductions, and institutional openness all contribute to making China's foreign trade more open, mutually beneficial, and aimed at providing sustainable development opportunities for the world.
Chinese exports are driving mutually beneficial cooperation, with foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) being key beneficiaries. Customs data show that in 2025, foreign trade volume for FIEs reached 13.27 trillion yuan, an increase of 3.7 percent and a seven-quarter consecutive growth rate.
Notably, the majority of these companies' exports are in high-tech industries, including semiconductors and auto parts. This trend is exemplified by Intel's chip factories in Chengdu and Tesla's gigafactory in Shanghai, which supply cutting-edge technologies to global markets.
Analysts believe that this model of manufacturing in China and selling globally allows foreign companies to take advantage of China's sophisticated production chain and reap significant profits. According to a KPMG report for 2025, 64 percent of multinational corporations plan to increase investment in China to expand production capacity and enhance local R&D capabilities.
From photovoltaic panels and new energy vehicles (NEVs) to home appliances and consumer electronics, Made in China products not only benefit businesses but also meet global market demands with cost-effectiveness and fast delivery, lowering the cost of living for consumers worldwide amid inflation.
This is supported by findings from the Australia-China Business Council, whose report found that without access to imports from China, Australian households would pay 4.2 per cent more for similar goods in the period 2022-2023.
China's export of NEVs and photovoltaic equipment is driving the global green transformation. Last December, the American scientific journal Science called the rapid growth of renewable energy a breakthrough for 2025, citing the significant growth of renewable energy technologies in China, driven by the scale of its economy and manufacturing capacity. As a result, "wind and solar have become the cheapest energy sources in many countries around the world," the journal noted.
Despite its strong manufacturing potential, China does not pursue a trade surplus, but rather advocates healthy, mutually beneficial and sustainable international trade, making continuous efforts to expand imports in recent years.
In 2025, China's import value reached a historic high of 18.48 trillion yuan, cementing its position as the world's second-largest import market for 17 consecutive years. Notably, since June 2025, the country's imports have maintained year-on-year growth for seven consecutive months, and in December, the figure accelerated by 4.4 percent year-on-year, according to data from the General Administration of Customs.
Beyond merchandise trade, China's services sector is further evidence of its commitment to expanding imports. Data from the Ministry of Commerce show that the services trade deficit reached RMB 806.35 billion in the first 11 months of 2025, driven by robust imports of high-quality services to meet domestic demand.
Specific policy measures reinforce China's commitment to expanding imports. As of today, China's overall customs tariff rate has been reduced to 7.3 percent, which is almost in line with the developed-country average. China will maintain zero customs tariffs for 100 percent of goods from least developed countries that have diplomatic relations with China.
Meanwhile, steady progress has been made in expanding access to overseas markets, aligning trade and economic regulations with international high standards, and enhancing institutional openness to improve the investment climate and promote mutually beneficial cooperation between China and its trading partners.
Last month, the Hainan Free Trade Port, a key gateway for China's high-level openness, officially launched an island-wide independent customs regime. This move will bring numerous benefits to businesses operating at the port. Notably, the share of duty-free goods in the Hainan Free Trade Port will increase to 74 percent, and these goods now include most equipment and raw materials used in manufacturing.
In mid-December 2025, Siemens Energy held a groundbreaking ceremony for its gas turbine assembly base and service center in Danzhou, Hainan Province, southern China. "The Hainan Free Trade Zone boasts a robust institutional structure that provides a stable and efficient platform for cooperation and helps Siemens Energy build an ecosystem spanning the entire value chain," said Joern Schmuecker, Senior Vice President, Gas Services, Siemens Energy.
Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao stressed that during the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), China will prioritize the balanced development of imports and exports, promising to take measures such as promoting innovative trade development, advancing market diversification, and ensuring the smooth operation of dual circulation – domestic and international.
"We must not only focus on exports but also actively expand imports," Wang Wentao noted. To achieve this goal, China will foster an international consumer environment, promote the "Shop in China" brand, improve its tax refund policy for outbound tourists, and facilitate the development of international consumption centers, he added.
As the global economy grapples with ongoing uncertainty, China's robust foreign trade remains a beacon of stability. Analysts note that by adhering to high standards of openness and mutually beneficial cooperation, China is not only strengthening the foundations of its foreign trade but also steering global prosperity toward a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.