China's trade with members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) experienced a remarkable surge of 26.1% in the first half of 2025. This growth not only boosts the options available to consumers but also strengthens economic ties among participating countries.

According to customs data, exports to other SCO member states reached 26.88 billion yuan, marking a 21.5 percent increase compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, imports from these countries totaled 26.38 billion yuan, which represents a significant 31 percent rise.

The industrial clustering advantages of the demonstration area have contributed to this export growth. Notable increases were seen in the export value of electromechanical products, with goods such as refrigerators and washing machines seeing a rise of 13.8 percent. Textiles and garments also performed strongly, recording a 27.6 percent increase.

During the same timeframe, the demonstration area has been proactive in utilizing overseas resources and expanding its import categories. It has successfully introduced a variety of products to meet the evolving preferences of Chinese consumers, including seafood from Russia's Far East and dried fruits and dairy products from Central Asia.

Imports of agricultural and food products have also seen remarkable growth, exceeding 8 billion yuan. Items such as frozen cod and dried chili peppers have experienced a year-on-year increase of 14.7 percent, reflecting the growing consumer demand for diverse food options.

The demonstration area, established in 2018 in Qingdao, Shandong Province, continues to play a vital role in enhancing international trade relations. Its ongoing success is indicative of the potential for further economic cooperation among SCO member states and the broader implications for regional trade dynamics.