Current Status of China's Foreign Trade Development 2025-8-2

In the first half of 2025, China's foreign trade demonstrated strong resilience and vitality. According to data from China's Ministry of Commerce, total import and export of goods reached US$535.714 billion in June 2025, a year-on-year increase of 51% (TWD3). Total import and export of services exceeded US$1 trillion in 2024, demonstrating rapid growth in services trade. Despite a 10.6% (TWD10.61)% decline in exports to the US, overall exports still achieved a 7.2% (TWD30.71)% increase, demonstrating that China has effectively responded to external pressures through a diversified market strategy.

Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) boosts foreign trade

RThe implementation of the RCEP has injected new momentum into China's foreign trade. Its rules of origin allow for the use of certificates of origin issued by visa agencies or self-declarations by exporters, lowering trade barriers and facilitating trade within the region. By 2025, trade between RCEP member countries continued to grow, and Chinese companies offset declining exports in some traditional markets by optimizing their supply chains and expanding into the ASEAN market.

Changes in the global trade environment

US-China Trade Dynamics

Recently, trade negotiations between the United States and China have made progress, with both sides agreeing to extend tariff exemptions for 90 days to buy time for further negotiations. The Trump administration has frozen some export control measures to promote a broader trade agreement with China.

Other countries' developments

• Japan and the United States: In July 2025, Japan and the United States reached a trade agreement, setting the 15% tariff level. Japan will invest US$550 billion in the United States and open its automobile and agricultural product markets.

• India and the United States: U.S. and Indian trade delegations plan to meet on August 24 to discuss a possible 90-day extension of tariff exemptions.

• EU and US: The EU and the US have confirmed the 15% tariff agreement, excluding pharmaceutical trade from the tariff scope.

New quality productivity drives the transformation and upgrading of foreign trade

China's foreign trade is achieving "quality improvement and stable quantity" by developing new high-quality productive forces. The widespread application of intelligent manufacturing, green technologies, and digital marketing platforms has enhanced the competitiveness of export products. For example, digital foreign trade platforms (such as Tengdao Data and Teyi Information) use big data analysis to help companies accurately develop customers and optimize their market presence.

Challenges faced by foreign trade companies

Despite the overall positive performance of foreign trade, businesses still face multiple challenges. Global trade protectionism is on the rise, with some countries imposing tariffs on Chinese goods, increasing export costs. Furthermore, supply chain fluctuations and geopolitical uncertainty are also putting pressure on foreign trade companies. Experts recommend that companies address these risks through technological innovation and diversified market strategies.

Summarize

China's foreign trade will maintain steady growth in 2025 amid a complex international environment. RCEP and digital transformation will provide new opportunities for businesses. International developments such as the US-China trade negotiations and the US-Japan agreement demonstrate that the global trade landscape is being reshaped. China's foreign trade must continue to leverage its advantages in new high-quality productivity and expand into emerging markets to meet challenges and maintain its global leadership.