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

China's foreign trade in goods rose 18.8 percent year-on-year in the first three quarters of 2026 to 39.94 trillion yuan, according to the General Administration of Customs. The data, released on Wednesday, indicates a significant acceleration in trade volume compared to previous periods.

Trade Volume and Currency Breakdown

According to Xinhua, the total goods trade reached 5.97 trillion USD. This figure comprises exports of 3.47 trillion USD and imports of 2.50 trillion USD. CGTN reported that total imports and exports of goods reached nearly six trillion US dollars, up more than 18% year on year. CGTN further specified that exports rose over 16% to 3.4 trillion dollars, while imports grew more than 22% to 2.5 trillion dollars.

Sector Performance and Market Diversification

CGTN reported that trade with free trade partners increased 30%, contributing more than 70% of the growth in foreign trade. The outlet noted that exports of integrated circuits nearly doubled, while electric vehicles rose 72%, reflecting stronger demand for China's high-tech and green products.

China's Customs Administration stated that diversified markets and an upgrading industrial base are helping sustain the momentum. Wang Jun, Vice Minister of China's General Administration of Customs, said in a transcript cited by CGTN: "In the first three quarters of the year, China's foreign trade grew at its fastest pace for the same period in nearly five years, with growth accelerating overall on both a quarterly and monthly basis. The latest international data show that China's trade growth ranks among the fastest of the major economies, and the country remains the world's largest trader in goods."

Why it matters

The reported growth highlights the resilience of China's export sector and the increasing importance of high-tech goods such as integrated circuits and electric vehicles in its trade portfolio. The acceleration in imports suggests robust domestic demand, while the strong performance with free trade partners indicates a strategic shift in trade relationships.

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Sources

• chinadaily.com.cn: China's foreign trade up 18.8% in first three quarters of 2026 - Chinadaily.com.cn
• english.news.cn: Trendy China | China's foreign trade grows 18.8% in first three quarters-Xinhua
• modernghana.com: China's foreign trade expands by 18.8% in first three quarters #coolchina
• news.cgtn.com: China Foreign Trade: Imports and exports surge 18.8% in first three quarters - CGTN

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