China’s foreign trade maintained strong momentum in April 2026, according to customs data released on May 9. Measured in US dollars, exports rose 14.1% year-on-year, while imports increased 7.1%, bringing the monthly trade surplus to $84.82 billion. For the first four months of the year, total foreign trade volume expanded by 14.9% compared with the same period in 2025. Notably, electric vehicle exports jumped 68.1% YoY, highlighting the rapid expansion of China’s new energy industry in global markets.

The April export beat reflects solid external demand, particularly in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Europe, as well as improved competitiveness in manufacturing. High‑tech and green products continued to be major growth drivers, with EVs, solar panels, and lithium‑ion batteries posting double‑digit export increases. Meanwhile, imports rebounded moderately, supported by domestic infrastructure investment and restocking demand in sectors such as electronics and machinery.

Analysts point out that China’s trade structure is continuing to upgrade, with higher value‑added products accounting for a larger share of total exports. The strong performance also underscores the resilience of China’s industrial supply chain amid ongoing global trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainties. Looking ahead, external demand may face headwinds from slower global growth and rising protectionism, but the country’s diversified export markets and policy support for trade facilitation are expected to keep foreign trade growth stable in the coming months.