China’s Export Growth Strong in Single Month: Strong Foreign Trade Momentum Continues

China’s foreign trade maintained robust momentum in April 2026, with exports surging to a record high and overall trade continuing to expand at a double-digit pace, according to official data released by the General Administration of Customs. The latest figures underscore the resilience of China’s external sector amid evolving global economic conditions, with both exports and imports outperforming expectations.

For the first four months of the year, China’s total goods trade reached 16.23 trillion yuan, up 14.9% year-on-year, matching the growth rate of the first quarter and extending the strong start to 2026. April alone saw trade volume hit 4.38 trillion yuan, a 14.2% increase compared to the same period last year. The month’s outperformance was driven by a 9.8% rise in exports, while imports grew even more sharply at 20.6%, reflecting strong domestic demand and a rebound in global commodity prices.

Notably, the acceleration in export growth—up 10.5 percentage points from March—was a key factor in sustaining the double-digit expansion of total trade. Analysts attributed the strength to proactive policy measures, diversified market demand, and the continued resilience of key sectors such as machinery and electronics. The General Administration of Customs highlighted that trade with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) grew by 15.7%, while trade with Belt and Road Initiative partner countries rose by 13.5%, further solidifying China’s role as a major hub in global supply chains.

In the first quarter, the city of Yiwu—a renowned global trade hub—set a new benchmark with its total trade volume exceeding 209.37 billion yuan, a 25% year-on-year increase and 10 percentage points higher than the national average. Yiwu’s exports reached 178.61 billion yuan, up 21.3%, while imports surged by 52.2%, illustrating the dynamic nature of China’s trade ecosystem and the growing importance of regional trade centers in driving national growth.

Looking ahead, the sustained strength in both exports and imports suggests that China’s foreign trade will remain a critical driver of economic stability and growth. The data also signals continued confidence among businesses and policymakers in the ability to navigate external challenges, supported by a diversified trade network and a focus on high-quality development.

As global markets adapt to shifting geopolitical and economic dynamics, China’s trade performance in the first four months of 2026 serves as a testament to the effectiveness of its trade policies and the adaptability of its enterprises in an increasingly complex international environment.