China's foreign trade sector has demonstrated remarkable stability despite escalating global trade disputes, according to new data from the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT). The organization's March 2025 Global Economic and Trade Friction Index reached 126 – a level indicating heightened international tensions – with trade measures surging 152.3% month-on-month.
The United States and India emerged as the most active initiators of trade barriers, with the U.S. maintaining its position as the top source of restrictive measures for nine consecutive months. American policies accounted for the majority of global tariff increases, export controls, and sanctions during Q1 2025.
Despite these challenges, China's trade infrastructure showed strong momentum. April 2025 saw Chinese trade agencies issue 711,500 certificates – including critical documents for international transactions – marking a 21.45% annual increase. This robust performance pushed import/export volumes to their second-highest historical level, outperforming market expectations.
Analysts suggest the resilience stems from China's diversified trade partnerships and streamlined certification processes. The data comes as multinational corporations increasingly look to Asian markets for stability amid Western protectionist trends.
