China's foreign trade has opened 2026 with record-breaking momentum, posting 15% year-on-year growth in the first quarter to reach 11.84 trillion yuan ($1.63 trillion) – the strongest quarterly performance since 2021. Customs data released Tuesday reveals sustained recovery in both exports and imports, signaling robust external demand and domestic economic vitality.
Exports climbed 11.9% to 6.85 trillion yuan while imports surged 19.6% to 4.99 trillion yuan, reflecting balanced trade growth. Private enterprises drove 57.3% of total trade volume, with their 6.78 trillion yuan in transactions marking a 16.2% annual increase. "This demonstrates the market's confidence in China's manufacturing capabilities and consumption potential," said Wang Jun, Deputy Director of the General Administration of Customs.
The figures come as Asian economies increasingly look to China's trade performance as a regional economic bellwether. Analysts suggest the strong start positions China to maintain its role as Asia's primary growth engine, particularly through technological exports and green energy partnerships.
