China’s Trade Resilience: What's Driving Its Growth?

China's foreign trade hit a new record high in 2025. Total imports and exports rose 3.8 percent to 45.5 trillion yuan, or 6.5 trillion U.S. dollars, marking the ninth year of growth. Exports rose 6.1 percent, while imports increased 0.5 percent to a record 18.5 trillion yuan, as China maintained its position as the world’s second-largest import market for the 17th year. Trade ties also became broader and more diversified, with China trading with more than 240 countries and regions, including its Belt and Road partners, which accounted for over half of total trade. So, what is driving this resilience—and what does it signal for China's role in global trade? What does it mean for China's economy?