Annual first half trade up 17.3% as China remains world’s second biggest importer

China’s customs statistics reveal that foreign trade during the first seven months of 2026 surged to 301.30 trillion yuan, a 17.3 percent increase over the same period last year.

Exports reached 174.40 trillion yuan, while imports climbed to 126.90 trillion yuan, keeping China in the position of the world’s second‑largest importer for the 17th straight year.

The overall trade balance improved as import growth outpaced export growth by eight percentage points, narrowing the gap between the two flows.

Electronics and machinery exports continued to dominate, accounting for 111.20 trillion yuan – 63.8 percent of total exports – and showing a modest 3.8‑point gain in share compared with the previous year. Notable growth rates were observed in electric vehicle shipments (+71.2%), lithium‑ion batteries (+35.8%), 3D printers (+110%), industrial robots (+13.2%) and shipbuilding (+32.7%).

On the import side, wholesale goods rose 3 percent, and electronic and machinery imports stood at 53.10 trillion yuan, representing 41.9 percent of total imports.

China’s trade network expanded to more than 180 nations and regions. Bilateral trade with ASEAN increased by 20 percent, the European Union by 9.5 percent, Latin America by 15.4 percent, and Africa by 18.9 percent. Trade with Belt and Road Initiative partners grew 15.5 percent and with APCER economies surged 21 percent.

Trade with the United States fell 1.6 percent, yet this decline was two percentage points smaller than the drop recorded in the first half of the year, indicating a slight easing of tension.

Liu Talong, head of the customs statistical analysis division, emphasized that China’s economy has maintained a stable growth trajectory despite global uncertainties, underpinning the sustained rise in foreign trade.