China's foreign trade maintains strong growth during the first five months of the year: report
China's foreign trade demonstrated continued robust growth during the first five months of 2026, highlighting the enduring strength of the world's largest economy amid a challenging and complex global landscape, CGTN reported.
According to official data released on Tuesday, the total value of goods traded between January and May reached an impressive 20.68 trillion yuan (approximately $2.88 trillion), marking a significant year-on-year increase of 15.3%. Exports contributed substantially to this growth, rising by 11.8% to 11.91 trillion yuan, while imports surged even more sharply, climbing 20.5% to 8.77 trillion yuan.
The momentum intensified further in May, with export growth in US dollar terms accelerating to 19.4% year on year, up from 14.1% in April. Imports also saw a notable increase, rising 27.4% compared to 25.3% the previous month. This strong trade activity led to an expansion of the monthly trade surplus, which grew to $105.43 billion from $84.82 billion in April.
Looking at the cumulative figures for the first five months, exports and imports increased by 15.5% and 24.5%, respectively, underscoring a dynamic trade environment. The cumulative trade surplus during this period reached a substantial $451.7 billion, reflecting China's solid position in global trade despite ongoing international uncertainties.
These figures not only emphasize China's resilient economic fundamentals but also its ability to navigate and thrive amid global economic fluctuations, trade tensions, and shifting market demands. The sustained growth in both exports and imports signals strong domestic demand and competitive export capabilities, positioning China well for continued economic stability and expansion in the months ahead.
