China's foreign trade posted a robust start to 2026, with the total value of goods imports and exports reaching 7.73 trillion yuan (about 1.12 trillion U.S. dollars) in the first two months of the year, up 18.3 percent year on year, according to the data released by the General Administration of Customs on Tuesday.
Exports climbed 19.2 percent to 4.62 trillion yuan, while imports rose 17.1 percent to 3.11 trillion yuan, signaling strong external demand and steady domestic consumption.
During the period, trade with ASEAN nations surged 20.3 percent to 1.24 trillion yuan, while that with EU countries grew 19.9 percent to 998.94 billion yuan. However, trade with the United States declined 16.9 percent to 609.71 billion yuan.
Notably, China's trade with countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative expanded 20 percent to 4.02 trillion yuan, underscoring the growing importance of emerging markets in China's foreign trade landscape.
Private enterprises emerged as the most dynamic force, with imports and exports totaling 4.51 trillion yuan from January to February, marking a 22.8-percent increase year on year.
Foreign-invested companies recorded 2.2 trillion yuan in trade, up 15.3 percent, while state-owned enterprises saw a steady growth of 7.4 percent to 1 trillion yuan in trade.
China's foreign trade up 18.3 pct in first two months of 2026
