- China H1 2026 Exports Surge reflects strong global demand.
- Green technologies and AI products accelerated export expansion.
China reported robust foreign trade performance during the first half of 2026, with official customs data showing sustained growth in both exports and imports. The figures were presented during a press conference hosted by the China State Council Information Office on July 14. Total merchandise trade reached CNY 25.47 trillion in H1 2026, representing a 16.9% year-over-year increase. Exports climbed to CNY 14.73 trillion, rising 13.4%, while imports expanded 22.1% to CNY 10.74 trillion, highlighting resilient international demand alongside stronger domestic purchasing activity.
China Maintains Strong Export Momentum
Official data showed that the country's exports have now recorded growth exceeding 10% for eleven consecutive quarters. Authorities attributed this sustained performance to the close alignment between products manufactured in China and the diverse requirements of international markets. The broad range of industrial capabilities, combined with increasing overseas demand, has enabled Chinese manufacturers to maintain competitiveness across multiple sectors despite evolving global economic conditions.
AI Industry Continues Supporting Export Growth
A report from the United Nations noted that global merchandise trade expansion during 2026 has been heavily concentrated in artificial intelligence-related industries. Rising investment in computing infrastructure, data centers, and intelligent terminal devices significantly increased demand for Chinese electronic products. During H1 2026, exports of electronic components and computer parts both achieved double-digit growth, jointly contributing 6.9 percentage points to overall export expansion. Meanwhile, exports of AI-powered intelligent bionic robots surpassed 10,000 units and reached more than 90 countries and regions worldwide.
Green Energy and Electric Mobility Exports Accelerate
The ongoing global transition toward lower-carbon energy systems continued to strengthen demand for Chinese green technologies. In H1 2026, exports of lithium batteries increased by 37.6%, while wind turbine exports rose 35.6%. Electric mobility products also delivered notable gains, with exports of electric vehicles expanding by 68.7%, electric locomotives increasing 45.1%, and electric motorcycles and bicycles growing 31.5%. These results reflected continued investment worldwide in clean transportation and renewable energy infrastructure.
Trade with Africa and Central Europe Expands
Trade with Africa remained an important contributor to export performance during the first half of 2026. Exports of mechanical and electrical products reached CNY 534.11 billion, representing year-over-year growth of 28.8%. Shipments of photovoltaic products, power transmission and transformation equipment, general-purpose machinery, and automotive parts all maintained solid momentum. Trade with Central and Eastern Europe also expanded, with automobiles and automotive parts totaling CNY 59.53 billion, while lithium battery trade reached CNY 30.01 billion.
Major H1 2026 China Trade Highlights
The following table summarizes the principal trade indicators and sector performance announced for the first half of 2026.
| Category | H1 2026 Performance |
|---|---|
| Total Goods Trade | CNY 25.47 trillion (+16.9%) |
| Exports | CNY 14.73 trillion (+13.4%) |
| Imports | CNY 10.74 trillion (+22.1%) |
| Lithium Battery Exports | +37.6% |
| Wind Turbine Exports | +35.6% |
| Electric Vehicle Exports | +68.7% |
| AI Bionic Robot Exports | Over 10,000 units to 90+ markets |
International Cooperation in AI Manufacturing
International collaboration also continued to expand beyond traditional merchandise trade. In the field of artificial intelligence, Chinese companies are working with Serbia to establish a humanoid robot production base. The initiative reflects growing cross-border cooperation in advanced manufacturing while supporting the broader commercialization of AI-driven technologies alongside expanding trade relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
What drove China's trade growth during the first half of 2026?
China's trade growth during H1 2026 was primarily supported by strong international demand for AI-related products, green energy technologies, and electric mobility solutions, alongside continued expansion in traditional manufacturing exports. Customs data also showed rising exports of electronic components, computer parts, lithium batteries, wind turbines, and electric vehicles. Strong trade relationships with Africa, Central and Eastern Europe, and international AI manufacturing cooperation further contributed to the country's overall import and export growth during the period.
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