Hunan International Convention Center hosted Changsha's automobile consumption promotion event on October 1, 2025. (Photo/Xinhua)
In the first 11 months of 2025, China achieved simultaneous growth in both exports and imports with over 110 countries and regions. This year saw the establishment of 54,000 new foreign-invested enterprises. Major international trade fairs like the China International Import Expo, Canton Fair, China International Fair for Trade in Services, and China International Consumer Products Expo were successfully held with remarkable outcomes. Throughout 2025, China's economy has demonstrated remarkable resilience and vitality through open development while steadfastly pursuing high-quality growth.
Foreign trade has showcased new resilience. Customs data released on December 8 revealed China's total goods trade reached 41.21 trillion yuan ($5.8 trillion) in January-November 2025, up 3.6% year-on-year. Exports grew 6.2% to 24.46 trillion yuan, while imports edged up 0.2% to 16.75 trillion yuan. Mechanical and electrical product exports surged 8.8% to 14.89 trillion yuan, with "new three" products (new energy vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, and solar cells) and ship exports both exceeding 20% growth. Trade with ASEAN, Latin America, and Africa expanded by 8.5%, 5.6%, and 18.7% respectively, demonstrating effective market diversification. These robust figures outline China's steady economic recovery, providing certainty and stability to global economic revival amid widespread sluggishness. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva noted on December 10 that with stronger policy support, China could achieve more vigorous growth, likely contributing about 30% to global economic expansion in coming years.
China continues to strengthen its appeal as an investment magnet. The opening of Tianjin's first wholly foreign-owned tertiary hospital in 2025, Airbus's participation in value-added telecom service pilot programs, and multinational pharmaceutical giants like Bayer, Pfizer, and AstraZeneca establishing presence in Beijing's Biomedical Park exemplify this trend. Ministry of Commerce data shows new foreign-funded enterprises increased 14.7% year-on-year, reflecting sustained market attractiveness. KPMG's 2025 Macroeconomic Trends Outlook highlights China's pivotal position in global supply chains and consumer market potential as key drivers for foreign investment. Christophe Périllat, CEO of French auto parts supplier Valeo, noted China serves as both Valeo's largest global market and innovation catalyst, with its dynamic ecosystem helping foreign firms enhance competitiveness.
Institutional opening cultivates new advantages. China is advancing high-standard opening by expanding rules, regulations, management, and standards alignment. From Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone's pioneering reforms to the current 22 FTZs and Hainan Free Trade Port forming a "flying geese" pattern, from active CPTPP and DEPA accession efforts to high-quality RCEP implementation, China is proactively aligning with international trade rules. This year saw nine new cities join service sector opening pilots and expanded unilateral visa-free policies. By meeting higher standards and creating superior environments, elevated openness accelerates the formation of new development paradigms. Qatar's Al Jazeera commented, "China currently stands at the forefront of promoting economic globalization, with its practices injecting new dimensions into global modernization."
As China embarks on new journeys, its economic vitality will continue integrating fresh elements across broader dimensions on the canvas of high-quality development, painting a magnificent new panorama of Chinese modernization.