Exports to ASEAN Remain Leading as Trade Expands with 112 Nations

According to the latest customs release, China’s total merchandise trade for the first eight months of 2024 stood at 347.8 trillion yuan, a 17.6 percent rise from the previous year. While overall trade in August grew 19.8 percent, imports surged 21.7 percent, outpacing export growth of 18.6 percent for six months in a row.

Export figures hit 201.7 trillion yuan, up 14.6 percent year‑over‑year. The sector covering automobiles, industrial robots, ships, lithium‑ion batteries and related machinery contributed 129.1 trillion yuan, marking a 21.9 percent increase.

Imports reached 146.1 trillion yuan, a 22 percent gain. Trade activity expanded across 112 partner countries and regions, with the ASEAN bloc still holding the position of China’s biggest trade partner. U.S.–China trade for the January‑August window totaled 27.6 trillion yuan, a modest 1.3 percent uplift.