China reports 18.8% growth in goods trade for first three quarters of 2026

China's total goods trade imports and exports reached 39.94 trillion yuan in the first three quarters of 2026, representing an 18.8% increase year-on-year, according to data released by the General Administration of Customs. The figures were presented at a State Council Information Office press conference on October 14, 2026.

Quarterly and Monthly Trends

Wang Jun, spokesperson and deputy commissioner of the General Administration of Customs, detailed the growth trajectory throughout the year. In the first quarter, import and export growth stood at 15.3%. This rate increased to 18.3% in the second quarter, and the third quarter saw further acceleration to 22.3%. Wang noted that the country has maintained double-digit growth for six consecutive months.

September marked a significant milestone, with monthly imports and exports reaching 5.16 trillion yuan. This figure represents the first time monthly trade volume has broken through the 5 trillion yuan threshold, reflecting a 27.5% year-on-year increase.

Export and Import Breakdown

The overall growth was driven by strong performance in both exports and imports. For the first three quarters:

• Exports reached 23.2 trillion yuan, up 16.4% year-on-year.
• Imports reached 16.74 trillion yuan, up 22.3% year-on-year.

In September specifically, exports rose 29.6% to 3.03 trillion yuan, while imports increased 24.6% to 2.13 trillion yuan.

Why it matters

The data indicates a sustained acceleration in China's external trade activity throughout 2026. The breach of the 5 trillion yuan monthly mark in September suggests robust demand for Chinese goods and strong domestic consumption of imported products. The faster growth rate in imports compared to exports for the first three quarters (22.3% vs 16.4%) may signal strengthening domestic demand within China.

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Sources

• chinanews.com.cn (in Chinese): General Administration of Customs: China's goods trade imports and exports reached 39.94 trillion yuan in the first three quarters, up 18.8% year-on-year - Chinanews.com
• usa.chinadaily.com.cn: China's foreign trade up 18.8% in first three quarters of 2026 - Chinadaily.com.cn
• chinadaily.com.cn: China's foreign trade up 18.8% in first three quarters of 2026 - Chinadaily.com.cn

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.