China’s Foreign Trade Hits Record High as Imports Outpace Exports in Q1 2026

52 articles · Updated · The Economist · Apr 21

China’s foreign trade reached a record 11.84 trillion yuan in the first quarter of 2026, marking a 15% year-on-year increase.
Imports surged by 19.6% and exports rose 11.9%, with strong growth in integrated circuits, machinery, and electronics driving the performance.
This robust growth signals a shift in China’s trade structure, with emerging industries and inland cities like Xi’an reshaping the export landscape.

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