China’s foreign trade is expected to maintain steady growth in the coming months, driven by rising global demand and ongoing policy adjustments, according to trade experts and exporters. This growth is anticipated to exceed the typical seasonal fluctuations seen in previous years.
For the January-November period, China’s foreign trade expanded by 4.9% year-on-year, reaching 39.79 trillion yuan ($5.5 trillion). Exports grew by 6.7%, totaling 23.04 trillion yuan, based on data from the General Administration of Customs (GAC).
Bai Ming, a member of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, expects continued export growth in the coming months, driven by strong overseas demand and foreign importers rushing to stock up in anticipation of potential tariffs by the United States next year.
November’s export performance surpassed seasonal trends, with a 5.8% year-on-year increase. The consistent rise in monthly foreign trade values for eight consecutive months was attributed to resilient overseas orders, recovering electronics demand, and foreign retailers increasing imports to avoid tariff impacts, according to Zhou Maohua, a researcher at China Everbright Bank.
China’s exports have also seen steady growth in traditional markets, such as the European Union and the US, as well as in emerging markets, including those in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Africa, and South America. In the first 11 months, exports to the US rose 4.2%, while exports to BRI countries increased by 6%.
Private companies, particularly in high-tech industries, are contributing significantly to this growth. Over 150,000 private companies engaged in high-tech foreign trade, with their combined import and export value rising 12.9% year-on-year. Exports of electromechanical products, a key sector, grew by 8.4%, accounting for nearly 60% of total exports.
To reduce the risks posed by geopolitical tensions and protectionist measures, many exporters are targeting emerging markets. For example, Chaoyang Longmarch Tyre Co Ltd, based in Liaoning province, reported a 2.5% increase in tire exports, with half of its shipments directed to BRI markets. These regions, with their significant demand gaps and reliance on imports, present stable, long-term opportunities for Chinese businesses, according to the company’s chairman, Jin Yongsheng.
Jiangsu Minglida Technology Co Ltd, an auto parts supplier, also saw a major boost in exports, particularly to Latin America. Its automotive parts exports grew by 105% year-on-year in the January-November period, as the company expanded its customer base and reinforced its supply chain.
In summary, China’s foreign trade continues to show resilience, supported by strong demand in both traditional and emerging markets, technological innovation, and strategic diversification.