Chinas Foreign Trade Surges by 18.8% in September, Setting New Records

Beijing, October 14 (Daily Kiran) : China’s foreign trade witnessed a remarkable growth of 18.8% in the first three quarters of 2026, according to data released by the General Administration of Customs. The total import-export value reached 399.4 trillion yuan, significantly surpassing the figures from the same period last year. This surge in foreign trade has invigorated global economic and trade activities.

In the first quarter of this year, China’s imports and exports increased by 15.3% compared to the previous year. This growth accelerated in the second quarter, reaching 18.3%, and further climbed to 22.3% in the third quarter. Notably, for six consecutive months, trade growth has remained in double digits on a month-to-month basis. In September alone, the total trade volume exceeded 51.6 trillion yuan, marking the first instance of crossing the 50 trillion yuan threshold.

Wang Chun, deputy chief of the General Administration of Customs, highlighted during a press conference at the State Council Information Office that this growth rate is the highest for the first three quarters in the past five years. The quarterly and monthly figures indicate a consistent upward trend.

Recent international data shows that China’s trade growth rate is leading among major economies, and the country continues to rank first in global merchandise trade.

Alongside this rapid growth, China has expanded its network of trading partners, engaging in trade with over 180 countries and regions during the first three quarters. Trade with partners under free trade agreements reached 195.5 trillion yuan, a 30% increase from the previous year.

Moreover, the share of exports related to intelligent and green technologies has also risen. Exports of integrated circuits surged by 99.1%. Green products such as electric vehicles, lithium batteries, and wind energy generators saw increases of 72.3%, 36.4%, and 22.4%, respectively.