Beijing, August 9: China’s ports and industrial docks are bustling with activity. New energy vehicles are lined up for export, while industrial robots and smart devices are being systematically loaded into containers. Wind energy equipment is also being dispatched to various global markets. This trend signifies the continuous reach of products linked to “Chinese intelligence and manufacturing,” creating new opportunities for innovation and green development, referred to as “China Opportunity 2.0.”
According to data released by the Chinese government on August 7, the total import and export value of China’s goods trade for the first seven months of this year reached 30.13 trillion yuan, marking a 17.3% increase compared to the same period last year. Exports rose by 14%, while imports surged by 22%. Notably, high-tech product exports saw an increase of over 50% in July, contributing nearly 60% to the overall export growth.
International media outlets have also taken note of this performance. Reports from Reuters and other media highlight that, despite rising protectionism and sluggish global trade, China’s trade figures have outperformed expectations, showcasing its resilience. Particularly, advancements in cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence are seen as significant.
The question arises: how is China maintaining such strength in its foreign trade despite global pressures? Professor Wang Xiaosong from Renmin University of China attributes this to the country’s comprehensive industrial system, which ensures strong production capacity and stable supply. This is a crucial foundation for the growth of foreign trade. Additionally, China’s large market, innovation-driven development, and increasingly open policies are propelling trade growth.
Multinational companies are also benefiting from this development. H. Chun, Executive Chairman for Northern Asia at the German industrial valve and pump manufacturer KSB, noted that the digital and AI-based predictive maintenance software developed by the company’s Chinese team received positive feedback not only in the Chinese market but was also sent to their headquarters in Germany.
According to him, this indicates that China is gradually emerging as a global innovation hub.
China no longer wants to be just “the world’s factory”; it is also evolving into “the world’s major market.” In the first seven months of this year, the growth rate of imports exceeded that of exports by 8 percentage points. Importing high-quality products and services helps upgrade industries, improve consumer quality, and meet the better living needs of its people. Meanwhile, China’s trading partners also gain new orders, jobs, and growth opportunities.
Currently, China has implemented a zero-tariff policy for 63 countries. Additionally, its import scale has consistently ranked second in the world for 17 years. According to the American “Eurasia Review,” China’s growing imports could strengthen future global trade and promote win-win cooperation with trading partners.
Moreover, amid international energy crises and various challenges in the supply chain, China maintains a trustworthy environment in the global market through its stable production capacity. The range of China’s foreign trade partners is also continuously expanding. In the first seven months of this year, China recorded growth in imports and exports with over 180 countries and regions. Trade with ASEAN and African countries grew by nearly 20%, while trade with the United States has seen an increase for four consecutive months. This diversification has made China’s trade cooperation more stable.
Foreign trade is a crucial indicator of any economy’s status. China’s foreign trade figures for the first seven months suggest that its economic strength is moving toward a new direction and better structure. Furthermore, there has been no significant change in the long-term trend of economic reforms.
Recently, institutions like the International Monetary Fund and Deutsche Bank have raised their economic growth forecasts for China for 2026. Many international public opinion surveys have also shown an increase in positive sentiment toward China. In the first half of this year, around 4,800 foreign-invested companies expanded their investments in China, reflecting their confidence in the Chinese economy.
(Source: China Media Group, Beijing)
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