Official figures released on Saturday indicate that China’s external trade continues its robust trajectory, fuelled by cohesive policy implementations across central and regional government bodies. The data, provided by the General Administration of Customs (GAC), underscored the ongoing strength and dynamism of the country’s imports and exports, according to a Xinhua report.

In April alone, foreign trade expanded by 14.2 percent year-on-year, reaching a total of 4.38 trillion yuan (approximately US$639.4 billion). Imports demonstrated a sharp increase of 20.6 percent to 1.9 trillion yuan, while exports climbed 9.8 percent to 2.48 trillion yuan. Over the first four months of the year, total trade volume stood at 16.23 trillion yuan, marking a 14.9 percent rise from the previous year. 

Lyu Daliang, Director of the GAC’s Department of Statistics and Analysis, confirmed that April maintained double-digit year-on-year growth and saw a 6.5 percent month-on-month increase

The export boom is partly attributed to recovering international demand. Mechanical and electrical products, which constitute the majority of Chinese outbound shipments, saw their exports jump by 17.6 percent in the first four months to 5.92 trillion yuan, representing 63.5 percent of all exports. 

High-growth categories included green and low-carbon products: electric vehicles soared by 68.1 percent, lithium batteries rose by 43.2 percent, and wind turbines increased by 40.7 percent. Private businesses cemented their position as the leading force in trade, with their imports and exports increasing by 15.9 percent, making up 57.4 percent of the total.

Meanwhile, expanding domestic demand and ongoing industrial improvements in China have spurred the need for raw materials and advanced machinery. Imports of crucial commodities such as crude oil, iron ore, and soybeans continued to climb, while purchases of high-tech machinery and components also increased.

Geographically, China is continuing to diversify its trade partners. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) remains the largest partner, with trade growing by 15.7 percent, followed by the European Union, which recorded a 13.2 percent increase. Trade with nations involved in the Belt and Road partnership grew by 13.5 percent, successfully compensating for reduced trade with the United States.

Significantly, commerce with African nations saw a 19.4 percent rise, exceeding 800 billion yuan for the first time during the reporting period. This momentum is expected to accelerate, particularly as a zero-tariff arrangement for 53 African countries, implemented on 1 May, is facilitating the entry of seasonal agricultural produce like avocados, apples, and oranges into the vast Chinese market, creating new opportunities for Africa.