Chinese exporters are rapidly transitioning toward higher-value manufacturing, supported by a strong emphasis on innovation. This strategic pivot is expected to bolster China's foreign trade growth throughout the year, according to insights from government officials, manufacturers, and industry experts.

As China aims to reinforce its role in global industrial chains amidst escalating geopolitical tensions, the combination of substantial production capacities, innovative prowess, and strategic market diversification by Chinese companies is set to enhance export growth in the latter half of the year.

Liang Ming, director at the Institute of International Trade under the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, noted that China's robust industrial ecosystem—marked by close intersector partnerships and operational efficiencies—serves as a stabilizing force for the nation’s foreign trade supply chains.

Recent data from the General Administration of Customs reveals a year-on-year growth of 2.5 percent in China's foreign trade, reaching 17.94 trillion yuan, equivalent to 2.5 trillion dollars, during the first five months of 2025.

According to Lyu Daliang, director of the statistics and analysis department at the General Administration of Customs, the Chinese economy has maintained a steady recovery since the start of the year. The goods trade has shown remarkable resilience in response to external pressures.

Last month, China’s imports and exports exhibited a steady growth trajectory, with notable acceleration following high-level economic and trade discussions held in Geneva, Switzerland, between China and the United States in mid-May.

Data indicates that the total value of goods traded reached 3.81 trillion yuan in June, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 2.7 percent.

Xiao Lu, deputy head at the Ministry of Commerce's department of foreign trade, commented on the global restructuring of supply chains and the emergent de-risking trends, highlighting that Chinese manufacturers have intensified their high-tech innovation efforts by cultivating new industrial clusters.

Wang Qian, an international trade researcher at the Shanghai University of International Business and Economics, emphasized that the growth in China’s exports is largely fueled by the rise in mechanical and electrical product exports.

According to the latest figures, mechanical and electrical product exports surged by 9.3 percent year-on-year, totaling 6.4 trillion yuan from January to May, representing 60 percent of the country's total exports.

Innovative products such as integrated circuits, computers, electric vehicles, and energy-efficient container ships have been leading contributors to this growth since the beginning of the year.

In Ningbo, the fitness equipment manufacturer Ningbo Healthmate Science and Technology Development reported a remarkable 23.85 percent increase in export value, reaching 135 million yuan, driven by high demand in the Middle East for their innovative smart running machines.