From January to July 2025, China’s exports to ASEAN, the EU, and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) partner countries grew by 14.8%, 8.2%, and 11.7%, respectively. During the same period, the total export value of private enterprises reached 9.8 trillion yuan, achieving double-digit year-on-year growth. Additionally, emerging markets such as Africa and Latin America have attracted a large number of Chinese foreign trade enterprises, becoming new market opportunities.
01 Export Growth Shows Structural Divergence
Regional Market Performance
China’s exports to ASEAN reached $377.04 billion, a year-on-year increase of 14.8%, making it the fastest-growing among major trading partners. ASEAN has maintained its position as China’s largest trading partner for multiple consecutive years, accounting for 16.7% of China’s total foreign trade value in the first seven months of 2025. Exports to the EU grew by 8.2%. Although the growth rate was lower than that of ASEAN, the EU remains China’s second-largest export market, demonstrating the resilience of traditional markets. Exports to BRI partner countries increased by 11.7%, with their share in China’s total exports continuing to rise. Among these, automotive product exports stood out, reaching $76.24 billion from January to July, a year-on-year increase of 13.3%, with new energy vehicles accounting for over 50% of these exports.
Contributions by Enterprise Type
Private enterprises achieved a total export value of 9.8 trillion yuan (approximately $1.4 trillion), with double-digit year-on-year growth (the exact growth rate requires RMB-denominated data but is confirmed to be significantly higher than the national average). Private enterprises contributed 65.8% of China’s total exports, serving as the core engine of foreign trade growth. Foreign-invested enterprises saw a 3.8% growth in exports, accounting for 26.8% of the total. Their growth rate was lower than that of private enterprises, indicating certain pressures on their operations in China. State-owned enterprises accounted for 6.4% of exports, with growth failing to reach double digits. Moreover, a significant decline in imports negatively impacted their overall performance.
02 Growth Drivers: Policy, Industry, and Market Synergy
Policy Incentives
Cross-border e-commerce new policies: The elimination of overseas warehouse registration and the implementation of “tax refund upon departure” policies have reduced capital occupation costs for enterprises.
Trade facilitation: Customs authorities have introduced “seamless clearance” and “instant approval and release” measures, delegating authority for customs declaration locations and certificate of origin processing to enterprises, reducing clearance time by over 30%.
Enhanced Industrial Competitiveness
High-end manufacturing exports: Exports of mechanical and electrical products grew by 9.3%, with integrated circuit exports increasing by 21.8% and high-tech product exports rising by 7.2%.
Supply chain resilience: In response to U.S. “reciprocal tariffs,” enterprises have mitigated risks through diversified procurement and localized production.
Market Diversification Strategy
Deepening ASEAN market engagement: China’s top three trading partners within ASEAN are Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia, collectively accounting for over 60% of the total trade value.
Exploration of emerging markets: African and Latin American markets have become “blue oceans” for trade. China holds a 46.2% share of Africa’s clothing imports and over 30% of Latin America’s mechanical and electrical product imports.
03 Diversification, Green Transition, and Digitalization Drive Growth
Market Diversification Deepens
ASEAN: Under the RCEP framework, tariffs have been further reduced, negotiations for the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 are advancing, and trade facilitation continues to improve.
Emerging markets: The development of the African Continental Free Trade Area and the acceleration of regional integration in Latin America are creating new opportunities for Chinese enterprises.
Green Transition Accelerates
New energy exports: From January to July, China exported 872,000 new energy vehicles, a year-on-year increase of 70.7%, capturing over 60% of the global market share.
Digitalization Empowerment
Cross-border e-commerce: Technologies such as AI product selection and smart logistics have reduced operational costs. One enterprise improved overseas warehouse turnover efficiency by 50% through digital transformation.
Digital trade: Digital trade cooperation between China and ASEAN has deepened, with the total value of bilateral digital trade expected to exceed $200 billion in 2025.
Source: CCTV Network
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