China now ranks among the top three trading partners for 157 countries and regions worldwide, according to Sun Meijun, head of the General Administration of Customs (GAC). The comments came Monday during a State Council Information Office (SCIO) press briefing in Beijing, highlighting Beijing’s expanding role in global commerce.
Belt and Road trade surpasses 22 trillion yuan in 2024
In 2024, China’s trade with Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) partners reached 22 trillion yuan (about 3 trillion U.S. dollars), accounting for more than half of the nation’s total imports and exports. Sun noted that BRI-linked trade has become a cornerstone of China’s external economic activity.
Growth momentum with emerging markets
China’s commercial ties with emerging markets — including ASEAN, Latin America, Africa, and Central Asia — have expanded at an annual pace of over 10% since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021–2025). The data underscores Beijing’s pivot toward diversified markets amid shifting global supply chains and geopolitical headwinds.
Expanding international cooperation
Since 2021, China has signed 519 international cooperation documents aimed at strengthening cross-border economic engagement and promoting “mutual benefits,” according to Sun. The agreements span customs facilitation, border security, and trade development initiatives.
