by Hasan Muhammad

Despite a global slowdown and the resurgence of protectionism, China’s foreign trade defies the trend. In the first three quarters of the year, China’s trade grew by 5.3%, reaching 32.33 trillion yuan ($4.57 trillion), according to data from the General Administration of Customs. Exports rose 6.2% year-on-year, marking a significant expansion in an otherwise sluggish global economy.

The most striking feature is the consistent growth pattern: each quarter surpassed 10 trillion yuan in trade value, a testament to China’s resilience. China’s economic engine continues to hum, bolstered by trade relationships with more than 160 countries and regions, defying the headwinds of geopolitical tensions and decoupling pressures.

China’s foreign trade is poised to keep its momentum through the end of the year, buoyed by a strong performance from January to September. Beyond merely upgrading their products, Chinese companies are getting more strategic - expanding into emerging markets and setting up factories along the Belt and Road Initiative. But what’s really driving this growth? It's not just old-school manufacturing; it’s the way they’re embracing technology. Big data and cross-border e-commerce are becoming the new tools of the trade, giving China a fresh competitive edge.

Emerging markets are hungry for products, and China is ready to deliver. As the world shifts and supply chains wobble, Chinese companies seem to have their fingers on the pulse. They’re adapting quickly and building a foundation that isn't just about survival - it's about thriving in a turbulent global market. It’s a mix of foresight, innovation, and, of course, a bit of policy support.

New policies are also giving China a leg up. Both existing and newly introduced measures are stacking up, creating a safety net for continued trade growth. With this framework in place, the country’s exports and imports are expected to maintain steady progress through the final quarter.

China’s rise in global market share, from household appliances to massive vessels, reveals a fundamental shift in its export landscape. The latest data shows that China’s exports of electromechanical products surged by 8 percent year-on-year, reaching 11.03 trillion yuan and comprising nearly 60 percent of the country’s total exports. This growth isn’t just about sheer numbers - it’s a reflection of China’s evolving economic strategy.

For years, Chinese companies followed the market, producing goods to meet global demand, often at the whim of international customers. But that era is fading. Armed with accumulated capital and advanced technology, China is no longer a passive participant in global trade but an innovator. By leaning into digitalization and green technology, Chinese firms are beginning to chart the future, particularly in sectors that depend on technological prowess and sustainability.

This strategic pivot has allowed China’s tech-heavy industries, especially those focused on green products and intermediate goods, to seize new opportunities abroad. Yet, despite the robust export performance in the first three quarters of the year, the road ahead is not without its hurdles. The global economic and geopolitical landscape remains fraught with uncertainty, and China’s exports will continue to face headwinds. While domestic policies are fostering demand recovery, additional measures to support export growth must be developed to maintain momentum. In this challenging environment, China’s ability to adapt will determine its future standing on the world stage.

Editor's Note: The writer is a freelance columnist on international affairs based in Karachi, Pakistan. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of China Economic Net.