China's diversified trade injects stability in global economy

China's foreign trade has once again demonstrated remarkable resilience in the first quarter of 2025. Total imports and exports reached 10.3 trillion yuan ($1.4 trillion), a year-on-year increase of 1.3 percent. In a global economy still grappling with inflation, weak demand, and geopolitical headwinds, this growth is not merely a domestic achievement — it is a stabilizing force for the world.

The details tell a compelling story. Imports fell by 6 percent to 4.17 trillion yuan, largely due to a sharp drop in global commodity prices, including those of iron ore, coal, crude oil, and soybeans. Yet even in decline, China played a pivotal role: its steady demand for these goods offered crucial support to struggling exporters and global suppliers. Meanwhile, exports surged by 6.9 percent to 6.13 trillion yuan, underscoring China's continued capacity to serve as a vital engine of global growth.

This performance is not just the result of an increase in orders for Chinese exports in anticipation of the US administration's punitive tariffs. Since early 2023, China's quarterly exports have consistently topped the 10-trillion-yuan mark. From the post-pandemic rebound to today's trajectory, Chinese exports have offered the world not only goods but a sense of certainty. Thanks to its fully integrated manufacturing system, China is uniquely positioned to deliver high-quality, cost-effective consumer electronics, household appliances, and key components — products increasingly essential in the age of artificial intelligence and digital transformation.