China's rising imports open new doors for global businesses

China is increasingly opening its vast market to goods from around the world, with imports growing at a faster pace than exports and playing a greater role in driving global trade.

Data from the General Administration of Customs (GAC) showed that China's imports rose 22% year on year in the first seven months of 2026, outpacing export growth by 8 percentage points.

In the first half of 2026, China's imports exceeded $1.5 trillion, breaking the 10-trillion-yuan mark for the first time on record.

The trend reflects not only the sheer size of China's market but also the country's growing role as a source of global demand.

In 2025, China saw imports increase from more than 130 countries and regions and became a major export destination for nearly 80 countries, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

Speaking at a regular press conference, Wang Jun, deputy head of the GAC, attributed the rapid growth in imports in part to the strength of China's mega-sized market and the country's continued efforts to expand opening up.

Vast market As the world's largest manufacturing powerhouse and the second-largest consumer market, China has a vast market with enormous potential, Wang said, adding that China has remained the world's second-largest import market for 17 consecutive years, and its share of global imports has risen from 7.9% to around 10%.

China is also taking concrete steps to make its market more accessible to the rest of the world.

Wang cited the implementation of zero-tariff policies for 63 countries and major international trade fairs such as the China International Import Expo, which provide a "window" for quality products from around the world to enter the market of the world's second-largest economy.

These figures are brought to life by vivid, real-world stories of trade.

After expanding tariff-free treatment to cover all 53 African countries with which China has diplomatic ties from May 1, China's imports from Africa grew 23.5% year on year from May to June, while imports of fruits like apples and oranges surged 89.6% and 27.9%, respectively, according to data from the Ministry of Commerce.

Meanwhile, strong demand from China's advanced manufacturing sector is driving imports of key intermediate goods.

In the first half of the year, imports of metal ores and electronic components increased 22.6% and 45.6%, respectively, according to GAC data.

The trend is particularly evident in Shenzhen, a major hub for smart manufacturing.