China's imports maintained a good growth momentum in the first quarter of 2026, surging 19.6 percent year on year, Chinese Commerce Ministry Spokesperson He Yongqian said on Thursday, underscoring the robust resilience of the country's foreign trade and the vast potential of its market.
The country's high-tech industries in the January-March period developed rapidly, with imports of integrated circuits and computer parts increasing by 41.4 percent and 45.3 percent, respectively.
In the first quarter, consumption potential continued to be unlocked, with imports of consumer goods increasing by 5.4 percent.
The country's industrial operation went up steadily, and imports of bulk commodities continued to grow, with crude oil, iron ore, and grain increasing by 8.9 percent, 10.5 percent, and 11.2 percent, respectively.
In terms of places of origin, China saw import growth from over 150 countries and regions. ASEAN is the largest source of China's imports, representing 14.8 percent of the total. Imports from RCEP member countries, Europe, and Latin America increased by 25 percent, 26.4 percent, and 26.3 percent, respectively, all outpacing the average growth rate.
In terms of trade entities, all kinds of market entities saw growth. Private and foreign-invested enterprises saw 23.5 percent and 23 percent surge in imports, respectively, raising their shares of China's total imports to 46.9 percent and 32.2 percent. And state-owned enterprises' imports rose 7.5 percent.
"Next, we will highly promote 'Export to China', fully implement the zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries which have diplomatic relations with China, continue to run well the China International Import Expo, better leverage the role of national-level demonstration zones for the creative promotion of imports, and share new opportunities for China's development with countries around the world," she said.
China's imports maintain good growth momentum in Q1
China and Thailand on Friday agreed to strengthen strategic alignment and enhance cooperation in various fields in a meeting between Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Noting the current turbulent international situation, Anutin said Thailand firmly adheres to the one-China policy and is willing to work with China to implement the consensus reached by the heads of state of the two countries.
Thailand is ready to work with China to resolutely combat online gambling and telecommunications fraud to further make the friendship between Thailand and China rooted in people's hearts, he said.
Anutin extended his gratitude for China's unremitting efforts in helping properly resolve the border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, adding that he looks forward to China continuing to play a constructive role.
Noting China is a reliable and dependable strategic cooperative partner of Thailand, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that the saying "China and Thailand are one family" has a solid public opinion and social foundation and is showing even broader prospects.
Wang said that, facing a volatile international situation, China is willing to deepen mutual respect, trust and support with Thailand, and carry forward traditional friendship.
China stands ready to expand cooperation with Thailand in new energy, infrastructure, agriculture and other fields, promote the building of a more stable, prosperous and sustainable China-Thailand community with a shared future, and continuously make new contributions to regional stability and development, Wang said.
He expressed the hope that Thailand will intensify its efforts to crack down on online gambling and telecommunications fraud, creating a favorable environment for bilateral relations.
As a common friend of Thailand and Cambodia, China is willing to continue to build a platform for the two sides to engage in dialogue, rebuild mutual trust and improve relations, according to Wang.
China, Thailand agree to strengthen strategic alignment, enhance cooperation
China, Thailand agree to strengthen strategic alignment, enhance cooperation
