China on Wednesday announced that its trade volume climbed to an all-time high in 2025, reflecting resilient global demand for Chinese products even as exports to the United States declined following higher tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.
Speaking at a press briefing in Beijing, Vice Minister of Customs Wang Jun said total trade last year exceeded 45 trillion yuan, equivalent to about $6.4 trillion, marking the first time the figure has crossed that threshold.
According to official customs data, exports — long regarded as a key pillar of China’s economy — expanded by 6.1 per cent compared with the previous year. Imports also recorded modest growth, rising by 0.5 per cent over the same period.
Wang attributed the slower pace of imports partly to geopolitical factors, noting that some countries had “politicised trade issues” and restricted the export of high-technology products to China. He suggested that without such limitations, China’s import figures would have been higher, an apparent reference to trade measures introduced by the Trump administration.
Despite ongoing global trade tensions, Wang expressed optimism about the year ahead, saying China’s market would continue to open up in 2026. He added that the country remains committed to serving as an opportunity for global trade and economic cooperation.
