China's foreign trade maintained robust expansion during the first eight months of 2026, driven by a strong surge in imports that continued to outpace export growth, according to official data released Tuesday by the General Administration of Customs.
Total foreign trade in goods expanded 17 point 6 percent year-on-year to reach 34 point 7 8 trillion yuan between January and August, marking a growth rate 0 point 3 percentage points higher than the figure recorded in the first seven months of the year.
Detailed Breakdown of Imports and Exports
During the eight-month period, exports increased 14 point 6 percent from a year earlier to 20 point 1 7 trillion yuan, while imports surged 22 percent to reach 14 point 6 1 trillion yuan.
In August alone, total trade in goods reached 4 point 6 5 trillion yuan, representing a 19 point 8 percent year-on-year increase.
Monthly trade volume sustained its position above the 4 trillion yuan benchmark for the sixth consecutive month.
August export performance rose 18 point 6 percent year-on-year, while monthly imports grew by 21 point 7 percent.
Trends in Import and Export Growth
The official statistics mark the fourth consecutive month that both imports and exports registered double-digit annual growth rates.
Import growth exceeded export growth for the sixth straight month, highlighting sustained domestic demand for international commodities alongside stable global demand for Chinese manufactured products.
