China’s foreign trade has maintained a strong trade momentum in the first two months of 2026. Total goods trade reached 7.73 trillion yuan, up 18.3 percent year-on-year, according to General Administration of Customs data released Tuesday. Exports grew 19.2 percent to 4.62 trillion yuan while imports increased 17.1 percent to 3.11 trillion yuan. Consequently, this trade momentum continues the positive trajectory from last year into the first year of the 15th Five-Year Plan.
Trade with ASEAN member states reached 1.24 trillion yuan, growing 20.3 percent, with both imports and exports recording double-digit increases. EU trade totaled 998.9 billion yuan, rising 19.9 percent with positive gains across both directions. Bilateral trade with Latin American countries grew 19.7 percent to 674 billion yuan. Therefore, this trade momentum extends across multiple regions and partners.
Notably, trade with Belt and Road Initiative partner countries surged to 4.02 trillion yuan, marking a 20 percent year-on-year increase. This robust performance demonstrates successful market diversification efforts. China’s trade relationships extend beyond traditional partners into emerging economies. Consequently, this trade momentum reflects strategic expansion beyond established markets.
China-made advanced products continue gaining a foothold worldwide. Exports of mechanical and electrical products reached 2.89 trillion yuan in the first two months, up 24.3 percent year-on-year. This growth reflects increasing global demand for China’s advanced manufacturing capabilities. Therefore, this trade momentum is driven by high-value products rather than simple goods.
The strong start to 2026 builds on last year’s positive performance. January-February data traditionally provides early indicators of annual trends. Double-digit growth across both exports and imports suggests broad-based economic strength. Consequently, this trade momentum signals healthy external demand and domestic consumption.
Zhou Mi, senior research fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, analyzed the figures. “The growth trend in trade demonstrates the important role China plays in international trade,” Zhou told the media. “The rapid expansion reflects not only traditional industrial goods but also advanced manufacturing products, which are creating fresh drivers of growth.” Therefore, this trade momentum represents qualitative as well as quantitative improvement.
China’s efforts to diversify trade have strengthened market development in emerging countries and regions. The robust growth with BRI partners exemplifies this strategic direction. These relationships build economic ties that may prove durable across political cycles. Consequently, this trade momentum enhances China’s economic resilience.
Against rising unilateralism and protectionism globally, China’s foreign trade growth serves as a vital stabilizer for the world economy. It enhances supply chain resilience amid ongoing global restructuring. China’s continued openness contrasts with protectionist trends elsewhere. Therefore, this trade momentum contributes to global economic stability.
The 18.3 percent overall growth rate returns to double-digit territory after some moderation in previous periods. This acceleration suggests strengthening external demand and competitive positioning. The import growth of 17.1 percent indicates robust domestic consumption capacity. Consequently, this trade momentum reflects both external and internal factors.
Mechanical and electrical product export growth outpacing overall figures highlights China’s industrial upgrading. Higher-value products command better prices and build brand recognition. This shift reduces vulnerability to low-cost competition from emerging manufacturing centers. Therefore, this trade momentum incorporates structural improvement alongside volume expansion.
BRI trade reaching 4.02 trillion yuan demonstrates the initiative’s commercial substance. Infrastructure investments have facilitated trade flows and economic integration. Partner countries increasingly source Chinese goods and supply raw materials. Consequently, this trade momentum validates the BRI economic model.
The timing, as the first year of the 15th Five-Year Plan, adds political significance. Strong economic data support policy continuity and development planning. Leadership can point to trade performance as evidence of strategy effectiveness. Therefore, this trade momentum provides political as well as economic benefits.
Regional diversification reduces dependence on any single market. EU, ASEAN, and Latin America all showed strong growth, spreading risk. This balanced portfolio approach insulates against regional downturns. Consequently, this trade momentum reflects a sophisticated market development strategy.
Looking ahead, the sustainability of this growth depends on multiple factors. Global economic conditions, geopolitical tensions, and domestic policies will influence trajectories. Continued product upgrading and market diversification can support ongoing expansion. Therefore, maintaining this trade momentum requires continued strategic effort.
In conclusion, China’s trade momentum has returned to double-digit growth with an 18.3 percent increase in January-February 2026. Total goods trade reached 7.73 trillion yuan, driven by strong exports of advanced manufacturing products and robust BRI partner performance. Exports grew 19.2 percent while imports increased 17.1 percent, reflecting broad-based strength across regions and sectors. Experts view this growth as stabilizing the global economy amid protectionist trends and demonstrating China’s evolving role as a supplier of advanced products. The strong start to the 15th Five-Year Plan period signals continued economic momentum heading into 2026.
