The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region recorded a 19.9% year-on-year surge in foreign trade in 2025, marking the fastest growth rate among all Chinese provincial-level regions, according to official data released this week. Total imports and exports reached 520.37 billion yuan ($74.6 billion), driven by infrastructure expansion and policy reforms.
Deputy Commerce Department Director Li Xuan highlighted the region's multi-tiered opening-up framework, anchored by the China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone. Over 50% of China-Europe (Central Asia) freight trains transited through Xinjiang last year, while major highway ports now operate 24/7 customs clearance. Urumqi Tianshan International Airport expanded its global cargo network to 36 cities across 22 countries and regions, with throughput skyrocketing 152.2%.
New regulations to boost port economies and digital trade innovation have strengthened Xinjiang's business environment. The region is actively attracting industrial relocation projects from eastern China and developing export-oriented industries. "The integration of global bonded maintenance and cross-border e-commerce is reshaping our trade structure," Li stated during a press briefing.
Analysts note Xinjiang's strategic position along Eurasia trade corridors continues to drive high-quality growth, with diversified markets and optimized logistics networks positioning it as a key hub for China's Belt and Road Initiative.
