China’s foreign trade hit a record RMB 45.5 trillion ($6.5 trillion) in 2025, reports Caixin. This was due to robust growth in mechanical and electrical exports, which for the first time made up more than 60% of total outbound shipments.
Customs data show imports and exports combined rose 3.8% last year, extending a growth streak to nine consecutive years. Exports of mechanical and electrical goods climbed 9%, underscoring the country’s shift toward high-value manufacturing amid growing external headwinds.
In dollar terms, mechanical and electrical exports reached $2.3 trillion in 2025, while imports totaled $1.03 trillion, yielding a $1.27 trillion surplus—larger than China’s overall trade surplus of $1.19 trillion. These goods include automobiles, integrated circuits, ships and other high-tech products.