China expands imports to drive global trade growth

August 26, 2026 (MLN): Chinese President Xi Jinping has repeatedly emphasized that China’s efforts to expand imports are not a temporary policy response but a long-term strategy aimed at embracing global markets and fostering shared development.

The country’s proposed 15th Five-Year Plan for 2026–2030 also places greater emphasis on high-standard opening up, balanced growth in imports and exports, and the expanded use of trade promotion platforms, according to APP.

As part of this strategy, Chinese Premier Li Qiang launched the “Big Market for All: Export to China” series of events on November 4, 2025, underscoring Beijing’s commitment to providing greater market access and development opportunities to countries around the world.

The initiative reflects China’s broader push for openness, mutual benefit and inclusive globalization at a time when rising protectionism, unilateral trade measures and higher tariffs are placing increasing pressure on the global trading system.

Through the “Export to China” initiative, Beijing aims to expand imports, promote more balanced trade and strengthen cooperation with its trading partners.

The programme is also intended to support the multilateral trading framework and advance the objectives of the Global Development Initiative, particularly by creating new export opportunities for developing economies.

China believes that increasing imports can generate benefits both domestically and internationally. Greater purchases of advanced technology, critical equipment, high-quality resources and consumer products can support industrial upgrading and meet rising domestic demand.

At the same time, improved access to the Chinese market can provide foreign businesses with new sales, investment and employment opportunities.

China has remained a major contributor to global economic expansion, accounting for around 30% of global economic growth for several consecutive years.

With imports continuing to rise, the country is positioning its vast consumer market as an increasingly important source of support for global trade and economic activity.

To facilitate this objective, China has expanded its trade promotion infrastructure. Nearly 40 “Export to China” events had been organized both domestically and overseas by the end of July this year.

The programme is being coordinated with other initiatives, including “Shop in China” and “Invest in China”, while also complementing major trade exhibitions such as the China International Import Expo and the China International Consumer Products Expo.

The initiative is also being linked with the expansion of cross-border e-commerce and online consumption programmes. In addition, government officials, business organizations and company representatives from Africa and other regions have participated in capacity-building programmes designed to help businesses gain greater access to the Chinese market.

On the policy side, China has continued to use platforms such as the China International Import Expo to help international exhibitors convert showcased products into commercial opportunities.

The country has also established 43 import trade promotion and innovation demonstration zones and is encouraging new import channels, including cross-border e-commerce retail imports.

Authorities are further seeking to strengthen the relationship between trade and investment by promoting greater interaction between imports and two-way investment flows.

Africa remains an important focus of China’s import expansion strategy. China is implementing a zero-tariff policy covering all taxable product categories from 53 African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Beijing.

The preferential arrangement is also being extended to least developed countries with diplomatic ties to China, while authorities are improving customs facilitation measures for African agricultural and food products to support greater imports of high-quality goods.

China’s market continues to offer significant potential for global exporters. With a population exceeding 1.4 billion and more than 400 million middle-income consumers, the country has become a major export destination for around 80 countries and regions.

In the first half of 2026, China’s goods imports reached 10.74tr yuan, equivalent to around $1.59tr, recording year-on-year growth of 22.1%. Imports from more than 150 trading partners increased during the period, while annual imports are expected to surpass 20tr yuan for the first time.

Amid growing uncertainty in the global economy, China is seeking to position its expanding domestic market as a source of stability for international trade and development.

The “Export to China” initiative represents a central part of that strategy, with Beijing encouraging countries, particularly developing economies, to increase exports to China and participate more actively in global economic growth.

China has reiterated that it will continue to pursue greater openness, support the multilateral trading system and promote the development of a higher-standard open global economy, creating new opportunities for businesses and economies seeking to benefit from the continued expansion of the Chinese market.

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