China set a new record in total import venue last year, further consolidating its place as the world's second-largest import market for 16 consecutive years, a spokesman for the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.
He Yadong, the spokesman, said at a press conference in Beijing that by transforming its vast market into a globally shared opportunity, China aims to inject new vitality into the world economy.
"In 2024, China's total import value reached 18 trillion yuan (about 2.5 trillion U.S. dollars), marking a year-on-year increase of 2.3 percent and setting a new historical record. This achievement is expected to secure China's position as the world's second-largest import market for 16 consecutive years. This highlights China's vast market potential and its commitment to opening up further," said He.
China will leverage key exhibition platforms such as the China International Import Expo (CIIE), the China International Consumer Goods Expo, and the China Import and Export Fair to promote its import trade. Efforts will also be made to cultivate national import trade innovation and demonstration zones and to enhance the facilitation of import, thereby unlocking greater import potential, according to the spokesman.
"China's market is characterized by its large size, diverse layers, and immense potential, and the country's stance on implementing an effective import policy remains unchanged. China will continue to expand market openness for goods in an orderly manner and ensure that all the least developed countries with which it has diplomatic relations receive zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent of tariff lines," He noted.
China sets fresh record in imports in 2024: spokesman
