Summary
According to data released by the Customs General Administration of China on April 14, 2026, China’s total import and export of goods reached 11.84 trillion RMB in the first quarter of 2026, a year-on-year increase of 15%. Exports were 6.85 trillion RMB, up 11.9% year-on-year, and imports hit 4.99 trillion RMB, an increase of 19.6% year-on-year.
Private enterprises remain the main driving force of China’s export growth. The “New Three Items” of green products continued to achieve rapid export growth. China has accelerated the diversification of overseas markets, showing strong momentum for Chinese enterprises to expand global trade.
Key Q1 2026 China Foreign Trade Statistics
Source: Customs General Administration of China, Published on April 14, 2026
- Total import & export volume: 11.84 trillion CNY, +15% YoY
- Total export volume: 6.85 trillion CNY, +11.9% YoY
- Total import volume: 4.99 trillion CNY, +19.6% YoY
Business Entity Structure: Private Enterprises Lead China’s Overseas Exports
Private enterprises are the core pillar of China’s overseas trade expansion.
- Private enterprises: Import and export volume of 6.78 trillion CNY, +16.2% YoY, accounting for 57.3% of China’s total foreign trade.
- Foreign-invested enterprises: 3.47 trillion CNY, +16.1% YoY
- State-owned enterprises: 1.56 trillion CNY, +8% YoY
There were 618,000 enterprises with valid import and export records, among which more than 540,000 were private small and medium-sized enterprises. Small and medium exporters continue to release strong vitality.
Export Commodities: New-productive-force Goods Fuel Export Growth
Electromechanical products are China’s largest export category. Exports of electromechanical products reached 4.34 trillion CNY in Q1, rising 18.3% year-on-year and accounting for 63.4% of total exports.
China’s well-known “New Three Items” maintained remarkable growth:
- Electric vehicles: +77.5% YoY
- Lithium batteries: +50.4% YoY
- Wind turbines and related components: +45.2% YoY
Exports of high-end equipment such as 3D printers surged 119% year-on-year. Traditional labour-intensive products maintained stable shipments. China’s export structure keeps upgrading toward high-value and high-tech products.
Global Market Layout: Diversified Trade Reduces Reliance on Single Markets
Trade volume with Belt and Road partner countries accounts for more than half of China’s total foreign trade.
- Belt and Road countries: 6.06 trillion CNY, +14.2% YoY, taking up 51.2% of national total trade
- ASEAN & Latin America: +15.4% YoY
- Africa: +23.7% YoY (the fastest-growing major region)
- EU: +14.6% YoY; United Kingdom: +13.1% YoY
Regional Highlights
- Yiwu: Q1 import and export volume reached 209.37 billion CNY (+25% YoY), exports 178.61 billion CNY (+21.3% YoY). Yiwu small commodities saw robust export growth to Africa and Belt and Road markets.
- Shanghai Port: China’s largest automobile export port. Q1 auto exports hit 839,000 units (+48.7% YoY). Among them, electric vehicle exports were 479,000 units (+79.2% YoY), with large batches of EVs shipped to global markets.
Official Comments & Risk Reminders from Customs
Positive factors: Marginal recovery in global external demand and China’s complete industrial chain system. Customs clearance reforms including railway fast-track, pre-inspection release and smart customs help cut compliance costs for exporters.
Potential risks: Geopolitical conflicts, rising overseas trade barriers and volatile international commodity prices still bring uncertainties. Exporters should develop risk prevention plans when exploring overseas markets.
FAQ
Q: What was China’s total export value and growth rate in Q1 2026? A: China’s Q1 2026 exports reached 6.85 trillion RMB, increasing 11.9% year-on-year. The total import and export value was 11.84 trillion RMB, up 15% year-on-year.
Q: What type of enterprises is the main driver of China’s exports in Q1 2026? A: Private enterprises are the backbone, contributing 57.3% of China’s total import and export volume.
Q: How did China’s “New Three Items” perform in exports during Q1 2026? A: Electric vehicles, lithium batteries and wind power equipment maintained high-speed growth. Electric vehicle exports grew by 77.5% year-on-year.
Q: Which overseas market achieved the fastest trade growth with China in Q1 2026? A: Belt and Road partner countries account for over half of China’s total trade volume; Africa recorded the highest growth rate at 23.7%.