National Business Daily:

According to the data released by the customs authorities, we have noted a continuous increase in the monthly imports since the second half of the year. How do you assess China's import performance throughout the year? What are your expectations for future imports? Thank you.

Wang Jun:

China's imports in 2025 reached a record high of 18.48 trillion yuan, making the country the world's second-largest import market for the 17th consecutive year. Last year, prices of some major commodities in international markets declined, with import prices of crude oil and iron ore dropping by about 10%, which dragged down the overall import growth rate by 1.4 percentage points. Against this backdrop, the growth of imports did not come easily. Throughout last year, China's import exhibited the following features:

First, the momentum of imports continues to strengthen. With the sustained economic recovery, stable production growth, and increasingly steady improvement of imports due to expanded consumer demand, starting from June, China's imports maintained year-on-year growth for seven consecutive months. The growth rate further accelerated to 4.4% in December.

Second, efforts to expand imports has delivered notable progress. China has proactively expanded imports and carried out a series of "Big Market for All: Export to China" activities. The eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE) was successfully held. With a record number of participating companies and intended deals exceeding $80 billion in last year's event, the CIIE has become a gateway for enterprises from around the world to access China's vast economy. China's customs authorities granted market access to an additional 190 categories of agricultural and food products from 65 countries and regions. Over the year, China imported nearly 1.5 trillion yuan worth of agricultural products. The number of overseas agricultural and food enterprises registered with Chinese customs authorities increased by 83,000, bringing the total to over half a million. Last year, China imported nearly 30 tonnes of bulk commodities, up 1.1% year-on-year. The value of imported mechanical and electrical products exceeded 7.4 trillion yuan, representing a year-on-year increase of 5.7%.

Third, imports recorded growth from a broader range of trading partners. Last year, China's imports increased from more than 130 countries and regions worldwide, seven more than in 2024. Imports from Asia, Latin America, and Africa rose by 3.9%, 4.9%, and 6%, respectively. China granted zero-tariff treatment on 100% of tariff lines for products from the least developed countries with which it has diplomatic relations, and imports from these countries increased by 9%.

It should be noted that some countries have politicized economic and trade issues, restricting high-tech product exports to China under various pretexts. Without these restrictions, China's imports in 2025 would have been even higher.

Looking ahead, China will open its doors wider to the world, offering ample room for import growth. China's huge market will continue to present a major opportunity for the global community. Customs authorities will, in accordance with the decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, further innovate regulatory systems to provide enhanced customs clearance supervision and services, thereby facilitating import growth. Thank you.