South China Morning Post:

In recent months, growth in China's exports to the United States has accelerated. How does the General Administration of Customs interpret this trend? What is the outlook for China-US trade in the second half of the year? Thank you.

Wang Jun:

Thank you. Mr. Lyu will answer these questions.

Lyu Daliang:

Thank you for your questions. China Customs data show that trade in goods between China and the United States totaled 2 trillion yuan in the first half of the year, accounting for 7.9% of China's total foreign trade. It fell 18.7% year on year in the first quarter but rose 13.7% in the second quarter.

In May, the meeting between the Chinese and U.S. presidents set a new direction for bilateral relations, providing greater certainty and fresh momentum for economic and trade ties. Guided by the important consensus reached by the two presidents, China Customs remain focused on safeguarding the country's borders and supporting development, and work with other government departments to promote the steady development of China-U.S. economic and trade relations. Thank you.

Yicai:

In May, China introduced zero tariffs on all imports from the 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations. The policy has now been in effect for more than two months. What positive changes are evident in the customs data? Thank you. Thank you.

Wang Jun:

Thank you for your questions. Since May 1 this year, China has granted zero-tariff treatment to all products from the 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations. The measure marks a further step in China's high-standard opening up, serves as a hallmark of China-Africa cooperation in the new era, and creates new opportunities for the two sides to advance modernization together.

Customs data show that China imported goods worth 193.8 billion yuan from Africa in May and June, the first two months after the zero-tariff measure took effect, up 23.5% year on year. More high-quality African products are entering the Chinese market. Imports of aquatic products and textile raw materials from Africa both posted double-digit growth. Imports of specialty fruits also increased, with avocados, apples, oranges and grapefruits up 130%, 89.6%, 27.9% and 11.9%, respectively.

China is not only sharing the opportunities offered by its vast market with Africa, but also seeks to be a major driving force behind the continent's development and revitalization. From mining projects in Guinea and sports venues in Cape Verde to photovoltaic power stations in Kenya and South Africa, these successful examples of China-Africa cooperation demonstrate the solid progress the two sides have made in advancing modernization and build a community with a shared future.

In the first half of the year, China's exports of mechanical and electrical products to Africa rose 28.8% to 534.11 billion yuan. Exports of photovoltaic products, power transmission and transformation equipment, general machinery, and auto parts all maintained solid growth.

New measures bring new opportunities. China will continue to pursue high-standard opening up, improve its cooperation initiatives with Africa and further facilitate China-Africa trade, so that the benefits of bilateral cooperation can reach more businesses and people on both sides and inject strong momentum into solidarity and cooperation across the Global South. Thank you.