By Hasan Muhammad

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.

China's foreign trade in 2024 reached unprecedented levels, capturing global attention. Data from the General Administration of Customs of China revealed that total goods trade reached an impressive 43.85 trillion yuan (USD 5.98 trillion), marking a 5% increase from the previous year. Notably, the fourth quarter gained remarkable momentum, with December's trade alone surpassing 4 trillion yuan for the first time, achieving a 6.8% growth rate. These figures underscore a robust rebound, defying expectations and prompting many Western commentators to describe the results as surprising.

While skeptics remain vocal, the international community's sustained trade with China suggests that pragmatism is prevailing over politics. This record-breaking trade year highlights resilience, adaptability, and the interconnected economic realities of our times.

The year witnessed a remarkable "threefold increase" in volume, incremental value, and technological sophistication. High-tech exports-such as electric vehicles, 3D printers, and industrial robots-experienced significant surges of 13.1%, 32.8%, and 45.2%, respectively. These figures indicate a deliberate shift toward cutting-edge industries, emphasizing China's expanding role as a global technology leader.

Additionally, cross-border e-commerce flourished, with imports and exports reaching 2.63 trillion yuan-an impressive rise of 1 trillion yuan since 2020. This transformation reflects not only enhanced competitiveness but also China's growing influence in supporting global industrial upgrades and economic recovery. Products with high-tech attributes have become essential exports, playing a critical role in mitigating inflation and sustaining global supply chains.

Trade with Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) nations rose by 6.4%, accounting for over half of China's total trade-a first in its history. This milestone underscores the deepening economic ties between China and its BRI partners, reshaping the dynamics of international commerce. Trade with ASEAN grew for the ninth consecutive year, solidifying their status as each other's largest trading partners for the past five years. Meanwhile, under the BRICS framework, trade expanded by 5.5%, further highlighting China's strategic collaborations.

Even amidst global uncertainties, China and the EU strengthened their economic ties, with bilateral trade increasing by 1.6%. Despite the geopolitical tensions that often characterize China-US relations, trade between the two nations grew by 4.9%, mirroring China's overall trade growth rate. This figure suggests a narrative of pragmatic cooperation where mutual benefit outweighs rivalry. China's trade achievements in 2024 are not merely about numbers-they reflect the resilience of its people and their ability to adapt to a complex global landscape.

China's leadership in green trade is also influencing the trajectory of the global energy transition. Wind turbine exports soared by 71.9%, photovoltaic product exports exceeded 200 billion yuan for the fourth consecutive year, and lithium battery exports reached 3.91 billion units. This trend extends beyond statistics-it highlights China's capacity to drive global innovation and confidence in addressing shared challenges like climate change.

Looking ahead, there is hope for stronger global ties and healthy competition-a vision where China and its partners contribute to collective, rapid growth. These achievements are not just about numbers; they represent the potential for shared prosperity in an interconnected world where China's steady ascent resonates far beyond its borders, redefining economic collaboration for a new era.