China’s foreign trade rises 3.6% in first 11 months of 2025

China’s foreign trade posted solid growth in the first 11 months of 2025, signalling sustained momentum and the resilience of the country’s manufacturing and export sectors. According to data released by the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China, total merchandise trade reached US$5.83 trillion.

Exports climbed 6.2 per cent to US$3.46 trillion, while imports edged up 0.2 per cent to US$2.37 trillion. Analysts noted that the steady rise – particularly the sharp improvement recorded in November – reflects the continuing competitiveness of Chinese industries and a favourable outlook for the remainder of the year. This is reported by Global Times, a partner of TV BRICS.

In November alone, China recorded US$551 billion in total trade, up 4.1 per cent year-on-year, marking a significant acceleration from October. Exports grew by 5.7 per cent, and imports increased by 1.7 per cent.

From January to November, exports of mechanical and electrical goods reached US$2.10 trillion, rising 8.8 per cent year-on-year and accounting for more than 60 per cent of total exports. Shipments of integrated circuits and automobiles also posted double-digit growth.

Experts anticipate that China’s total foreign trade for 2025 could reach around US$6.37 trillion, surpassing last year’s record and establishing a new high.

Looking ahead to 2026, analysts expect continued momentum as China deepens high-standard opening-up, strengthens regional cooperation and advances new trade agreements. These efforts are projected to create fresh opportunities during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026–2030).

The region of ASEAN remained China’s largest trading partner during the January–November period, with bilateral trade expanding 8.5 per cent to US$964 billion.

China’s trade with partner countries participating in the Belt and Road-associated network rose 6 per cent to US$3.02 trillion, underscoring the significance of emerging markets and new corridors of cooperation.

Sector analysts said that China continues to maintain a leading position in high-technology manufacturing and fast-growing sectors. These strengths are expected to support a rising share of global exports in the years ahead.

Photo: Khanchit Khirisutchalual / iStock