China’s Trade Shows Strong Growth, Despite US Dip

Beijing – China’s trade performance continued to demonstrate resilience in the first two months of 2026, with exports rising nearly 22% compared to the same period in 2025. This growth significantly exceeded economists’ expectations and surpassed the 6.6% annual increase recorded in December 2025. Imports also experienced substantial growth, increasing by almost 20% – a notable acceleration from the 5.7% year-over-year increase seen in December 2025.

Export Performance and Regional Shifts

China’s export sector has remained a key driver of economic activity despite ongoing trade tensions with the United States. In 2025, Chinese exports increased by 5.5%, contributing to a record trade surplus of nearly $1.2 trillion. A key factor in this success has been the diversification of export markets, with increased shipments to Europe and Latin America helping to offset a 20% decrease in exports to the US.

The Role of China Customs

The General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC), established on October 25, 1949, plays a crucial role in overseeing and facilitating China’s international trade. Headquartered in Beijing, the GACC is responsible for national customs operate, including entry and exit inspection and quarantine and the development of relevant laws and regulations [GACC – Wikipedia]. The GACC is also focused on streamlining trade processes through initiatives like the “Registration Single Window E-systems” [GACC CIFER System].

Recent Regulatory Changes

The GACC has recently implemented changes to exporter registration procedures. Announcement No. 105 stipulated that the former 11-digit exporter registration number would be abolished on September 5, 2024, requiring all exporters to update to a latest 18-digit certificate [GACC CIFER System]. Decree 249 mandates that all overseas exporters obtain Food Registration Procedures with the GACC before shipping goods to China, to avoid potential returns at customs [GACC CIFER System]. Decree 248 offers advantages to manufacturers who achieve registration, potentially leading to preferential purchasing consideration from Chinese importers [GACC CIFER System].

Looking Ahead

China’s continued trade growth, coupled with the GACC’s efforts to modernize customs procedures, suggests a positive outlook for the country’s international trade relations. The ability to diversify export markets and adapt to changing regulatory requirements will be crucial for sustaining this momentum in the face of global economic uncertainties.