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Read in Chinese
Speaker:
Mr. Lyu Daliang, spokesperson of the General Administration of Customs (GAC) and director general of the Department of Statistics & Analysis of the GAC
Chairperson:
Ms. Shou Xiaoli, deputy director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO
Date: Oct. 13, 2023
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Shou Xiaoli:
Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). Today, we will have our routine release of economic data, and we are very pleased to invite Mr. Lyu Daliang, the spokesperson for the General Administration of Customs (GAC) and director general of the Department of Statistics & Analysis of the GAC, to introduce China's import and export situation for the first three quarters of 2023, and to answer your questions.
Now, I'll give the floor to Mr. Lyu.
Lyu Daliang:
Ladies and gentlemen, friends from the media, good morning and welcome to today's press conference. I'm delighted to see you all again. First, I would like to provide you an overview of China's import and export situation for the first three quarters of this year. Afterward, I'll be happy to answer any questions you might have.
In the first three quarters of this year, faced with a complex and severe external environment as well as multiple domestic challenges and difficulties, China, under the strong leadership of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, adhered to the general principle of seekingprogress while maintaining stability. The economy overall demonstrated signs of recovery and improvement, high-quality development was solidly advanced, and the import and export of goods trade proceeded smoothly with positive momentum. According to customs statistics, the total value of imports and exports in the first three quarters amounted to 30.8 trillion yuan, marking a slight decrease of 0.2% year-on-year. Of this, exports accounted for 17.6 trillion yuan, representing an increase of 0.6% year on year; while imports totaled 13.2 trillion yuan, reflecting a decline of 1.2% year on year. Upon detailed analysis, this performance showcases five main characteristics:
First, the scale of foreign trade has been stable with signs of growth, setting a new monthly high in September.When examined on a quarterly basis, imports and exports have risen incrementally: the first, second and third quarters recorded imports and exports of 9.72 trillion yuan, 10.29 trillion yuan and 10.79 trillion yuan,respectively. On a monthly basis, imports and exports for September alone reached 3.74 trillion yuan, marking consecutivegrowth for the previous two months and setting a new monthly high for the year.
Second, private enterprises have experienced relatively rapid growth in imports and exports. In the first three quarters, China's private enterprises recorded an import and export value of 16.34 trillion yuan, an increase of 6.1% year on year, accounting for 53.1% of China's total import and export value. During the same period, foreign-invested enterprises had an import and export value of 9.42 trillion yuan, while state-owned enterprises reported 4.95 trillion yuan, accounting for 30.6% and 16.1%, respectively.
Third, imports and exports with Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) partner countries have outperformed the overall figures. In the first three quarters, China's imports and exports with BRI partner countries reached 14.32 trillion yuan, representing a year-on-year increase of 3.1% and accounting for 46.5% of the total import and export value. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the BRI's proposal. To fully showcase the trade development achievements between China and BRI partner countries over the past decade, we recently compiled a specific trade index for China and BRI partner countries. This index rose from a base of 100 in 2013 to 165.4 in 2022, underlining the continuously strengthening role of the BRI in promoting trade.
Fourth, the proportion of exported electromechanical products has increased. In the first three quarters, China's exports of electromechanical products reached 10.26 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 3.3%, accounting for 58.3% of the total export value, and an increase of 1.5 percentage points compared to the same period last year. Among them, automobiles and their parts, ships and electrical equipment grew by 48.2%, 26.8% and 16.2%, respectively. During the same period, the export of labor-intensive products amounted to 3.07 trillion yuan, accounting for 17.5%.
Fifth, the import of bulk commodities and consumer goods has expanded. In the first three quarters, China's imports of bulk commodities such as energy, metal ore and grain increased by 16.5% year on year. Among these, energy products such as crude oil, natural gas and coal amounted to 860 million metric tons, marking an increase of 31.8%; and metals such as iron and aluminum totaled 1.086 billion tons, reflecting a growth of 7.8%. During the same period, the import of consumer goods reached 1.46 trillion yuan, registering a growth of 3.1%. Notably, dried and fresh fruits and nuts, as well as healthcare products, witnessed growth rates of 22.8% and 18.5%, respectively.
In conclusion, amid the unstable global economic recovery, China's foreign trade has withstood the pressure, continued to stabilize its scale and promote structural optimization, and achieved many positives. It is believed that, with the continued improvement in China's economic performance and the growing internal driving forces, the practical measures taken to stabilize foreign trade will continue to yield results. Import and export operation will be more stable, and quality and efficiency will be further improved. Therefore, the goals of promoting stability and improving quality will certainly be achieved.
The GAC has undertaken the duty and mission of safeguarding the country's borders and promoting development. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the implementation of the customs rank system in China. Recently, General Secretary Xi Jinping wrote a letter in response to the customs officers of the Khunjerab Pass, expressing his earnest expectations for the customs system to better fulfill its responsibilities and mission. This indicates the direction and fundamental principles for us to carry out the customs work in the new era and on the new journey. The GAC will thoroughly study and implement the important instructions and important replies of General Secretary Xi Jinping regarding customs work in the new era. We should accelerate the construction of smart customs and the action of "smart ports strengthening the nation," strengthen security at the borders and promote high-quality development and high-level opening-up. We will also fulfill our role as guardian to reassure the Party and satisfy the people, and actively contribute to the construction of a strong country and national rejuvenation. Thank you.
Shou Xiaoli:
Thank you for your introduction, Mr. Lyu. The floor is now open for questions. Please identify the media outlet you represent before asking your questions.
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Phoenix TV:
Actively expanding imports is an important aspect of China's efforts to promote high-level opening-up. How do you evaluate the current import situation in China? Also, the 6th China International Import Expo will soon be held, what are your expectations for the trend of imports in the next stage? Furthermore, what has the GAC done to ensure the success of the CIIE? Thank you.
Lyu Daliang:
Thank you for your questions. China is the world's second largest economy, home to nearly one-fifth of the world's population, and creates almost 30% of the world's manufacturing value-added. It is also the market with the most potential in the world. Over the years, China has adhered to the strategy of expanding imports and has been the world's second largest import market for 14 consecutive years. In the first three quarters of this year, China's foreign trade imports have maintained a good momentum, demonstrating several highlights in terms of scale, quantity, category, structure and so on. These highlights have mainly manifested in the following ways:
First, the scale of imports has been increasing quarterly, and the import trend from major source countries is improving. In the first, second and third quarters, China's imports reached 4.23 trillion yuan, 4.39 trillion yuan and 4.58 trillion yuan, respectively, showing a gradual expansion in scale. China's imports from Latin America, ASEAN and the EU have increased for two consecutive quarters. In the third quarter, the quarter-on-quarter growth rates were 8.5%, 6.3% and 2.6%, respectively.
Second, the number of imports increased steadily, and the role of ensuring supplies and stabilizing supply chains has continued to be effective. China's imports have increased year-on-year for eight consecutive months, with a cumulative increase of 2.6% in the first three quarters. In particular, the import of resources and energy products, key parts and components that meet domestic production needs have steadily expanded. For example, the imports of crude oil, natural gas and metal ore increased by 14.6%, 8.2% and 7.8%, respectively; and imports of central processing parts for computers and aircraft parts also increased by 42.9% and 15.9%, respectively.
Third, access to imports of goods has been made more open and diverse to better meet people's consumption needs. To date, China has established cooperation relations on customs inspection and quarantine with 171 countries and regions, and signed nearly 400 international cooperation documents on the access of agricultural products and food. In the first three quarters, China's imports of agricultural products rose by 8.6%, with dried and fresh fruits and nuts, and wine and beverages growing by 22.8% and 21%, respectively. At the same time, with the steady rise in domestic consumption demand, the import of some customized and upgraded consumer goods is growing. In the first three quarters, China's imported jewelry, watches and healthcare products increased by 74.3%, 18.9% and 18.5%, respectively, and shoes, boots and bags increased by 9.2%.
Expanding imports is an integral part of China's efforts to foster a new development pattern and is also conducive to sharing China's development opportunities with the world. Next month, the 6th CIIE is scheduled to take place in Shanghai. On the basis of summarizing the customs clearance facilitation measures of the previous five editions, we have introduced another 17 facilitation measures covering exhibition access, customs clearance as well as post-exhibition disposal. In order to ensure the organization of the CIIE continues to improve, the customs authorities have further innovated the regulatory systems. Under the premise of controllable risks, the animal and plant products and food on show will be specially approved so as to boost the number of exhibits and provide convenience for more countries, enterprises and products to share in the dividends of the Chinese market.
In conclusion, with the deepening of China's import expansion strategy, as well as the acceleration of a new development pattern that is focused on the domestic economy and features positive interplay between domestic and international economic flows, an open and huge Chinese market will benefit more people around the world. Thank you.
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Red Star News:
We have noticed that the latest trade forecast released by the World Trade Organization (WTO) in October has revised down its forecast of global trade growth in 2023. What do you think of China's current foreign trade? What are your predictions for its whole year growth rate? Thank you.
Lyu Daliang:
Thank you for your questions. Since the beginning of this year, the global economic recovery is yet to take hold, there has been a downturn in external demand and prices, as well as the impact of our large economic aggregate last year, meaning China's foreign trade growth is facing huge pressure. However, with the targeted implementation, deepening and consolidation of multiple domestic policies, enterprises took the initiative to seek innovation and make progress and have responded to changes and difficulties. The first three quarters have seen steady foreign trade performance and the figures have been roughly in line with the previous year and showed a positive growth trend.
Specifically, we have made stability our top priority, which is the fundamental aspect. First, the volume is stable. In the second and third quarters, the import and export volumes were both above 10 trillion yuan, maintaining historically high levels. Second, the main market players are stable. In the first three quarters, China's foreign trade enterprises with import and export performance increased to 597,000, and the import and export value of companies that have been active since 2020 accounted for nearly 80% of the total. Third, the market share is stable. According to our preliminary calculations, the first seven months witnessed the same data in the export market share as that of the previous year. Stability is a solid foundation for the high-quality development of China's foreign trade, and also a reflection of China's capability to resist pressure and stress.
While maintaining stability, we have also seen sound development in foreign trade. First, there is aa positive trend in general. The scale of imports and exports has expanded each quarter, with consistent monthly improvements. Particularly in September, despite having three working days fewer compared to the previous month and one working day fewer compared to the same month last year, the scale achieved a new monthly high for the year. If we exclude the impact of the difference in working days, the year-on-year growth in imports and exports in September was 0.9%. Second, private enterprises have showcased their vitality. In the first three quarters, the monthly growth rate of imports and exports for private enterprises surpassed the overall rate. The proportion of exports of independent brand products from private enterprises rose by a 0.7 percentage point to 22.7% compared to the same period last year. Brand recognition in sectors such as automobiles, engineering machinery, and electronic consumer goods has further strengthened. Third, the market potential remains high. In the first three quarters, China's two-way trade with emerging markets like Central Asia, Africa, and Latin America grew by 33.7%, 6.7%, and 5.1%, respectively, all surpassing the overall growth rate of China's foreign trade. Recently, China's two-way trade with traditional markets, such as the European Union and the United States, has also significantly improved. Fourth, platforms facilitating foreign trade have seen good growth. In the first three quarters, imports and exports in China's 21 pilot free trade zones reached 5.65 trillion yuan, a growth of 4.6%, accounting for an increasing share of China's overall foreign trade at 18.3%. The imports and exports of the Hainan Free Trade Port surged by 20.3%.
Regarding the future trend of foreign trade, we've noted that recently, concerns have been expressed by organizations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Monetary Fund about the fragmentation of global trade. The WTO has revised its forecast for this year's global merchandise trade growth downward from 1.7% to 0.8%, signaling that the world economy's recovery and sustainable development still face considerable challenges. The external environment for China's foreign trade remains intricate and challenging. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that positive factors for the improvement of China's economy continue to increase. As we continue to stabilize the scale and enhance the structure of foreign trade, our capability for maintaining stability has grown stronger, and we will be able to see greater improvements. We have valid reasons to remain confident in meeting the annual goals of promoting stability and enhancing the quality of foreign trade, while foreign trade continuing to buttress economic growth. Thank you.
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Kyodo News:
From a macroeconomic perspective, the continued negative growth in imports and exports through September has raised concerns among international institutions regarding the state of the Chinese economy. How do you view the outlook for China's trade? Thank you.
Lyu Daliang:
Thank you for your question. I've just discussed China's trade situation in the first three quarters. Recently, with the rise in favorable factors, foreign trade has shown a positive trend. As for the future of China's foreign trade, we believe many advantageous factors will continue to support it.
First, the domestic economy is performing well. The manufacturing PMI has shown consecutive monthly increases for four months, and in August, the monthly growth rates of industrial value-added and retail sales accelerated by 0.8 and 2.1 percentage points, respectively. Especially during the recent Golden Week holiday, everyone could feel the vibrant surge of China's economy.
Second, industrial advantages are being consolidated. Export-oriented industries with advantages, such as shipbuilding, engineering machinery, and household appliances, have seen further improvements in market share, international competitiveness, and brand influence. Simultaneously, the import and export of consumer electronics are showing signs of recovery. Import and export of integrated circuits saw consecutive monthly increases in August and September, and the year-on-year decline in exports of mobile phones and computers in September has significantly narrowed.
Third, the orders and confidence of businesses have seen improvement. According to the China Customs Trade Prosperity Survey, in September, the proportion of businesses that reported rising or steady month-on-month export and import orders increased by 0.8 and 1.7 percentage points, respectively. The proportion of businesses optimistic about exports and imports prospects grew by 1.3 and 0.7 percentage points month on month, respectively.
It cannot be denied that China's foreign trade will continue to face numerous difficulties and challenges. A more complex and daunting external environment, stagnant global economic recovery, unilateralism, trade protectionism, and geopolitical risks, among others, will exert pressure on China's foreign trade.
However, taken as a whole, as I mentioned earlier, with our economic recovery showing positive trends and the implementation of foreign trade policies and measures focused on ensuring scale and optimizing structure, imports and exports are expected to maintain their growth momentum and achieve the annual goal of maintaining stability and improving quality.
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CMG Voice of China:
You just mentioned that China Customs has compiled the Trade Index between China and BRI Partner Countries. Could you please introduce the index in detail? Thank you.
Lyu Daliang:
Thank you for your question. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the BRI put forward by President Xi Jinping. Over the past 10 years, economic and trade ties between China and its BRI partner countries have grown ever closer and more dynamic. The GAC recently compiled the Trade Index between China and BRI partner countries. This index comprehensively and systematically showcases the achievements of China's foreign trade with its BRI partner countries in four aspects: trade scale, trade structure, mutual benefits, and trade facilitation.
As I mentioned earlier, the general trade index between China and its BRI partner countries rose from 100 in 2013, the base period, to 165.4 in 2022. The primary characteristics are as follows:
First, the scale of trade has expanded rapidly. Over the past 10 years, the index of trade scale between China and its partner countries has risen significantly, reaching 161.3 in 2022. The import and export volume between China and these partner countries grew from 10.11 trillion yuan in 2013 to 18.95 trillion yuan in 2022, an increase of 87.4%. The average annual growth rate stands at 7%, 1.5 percentage points higher than the overall growth rate of China's foreign trade during the same period. The proportion relative to China's total import and export volume has increased from 39.2% to 45.4%.
Second, the structure of trade has continually been optimized. Over the past 10 years, the index of trade structure between China and its partner countries has consistently risen, reaching 118.9 in 2022. China's industrial structure has dovetailed with its partner countries, resulting in tighter industrial links and a robust foundation for trade cooperation.
Third, trade has increasingly delivered mutual benefits. Over the past 10 years, mutual benefits between China and its partner countries have surged, with the mutual benefit index reaching 164 in 2022. This indicates that the level of openness, cooperation, and shared benefits between China and its partner countries has increased. Currently, China ranks the largest trade partner for 68 of its BRI partners and among the top three for 114 of them. It is also the largest import source for 74 countries and the top export market for 35 of them.
Fourth, the promotional role of trade continues to grow. In the past decade, the index on trade facilitation between China and BRI partner countries has shown a significant increase overall and reached 217.3 in 2022. Almost nine tenths of China's exports with regard to foreign contracted projects are destined for BRI partner countries, and a series of co-constructed projects, including ports, railways, bridges, and overseas industrial parks, have been launched successively. At the same time, international logistics channels between China and BRI partner countries have constantly expanded, effectively promoting trade growth. Take the China-Europe Railway Express as an example: freight trains linking China and Europe operating in both directions increased to 16,000 in 2022 from 80 in 2013, now connecting more than 200 cities in 25 countries.
More information about the trade index between China and BRI partner countries will be released in the "Trade Indices" column on our portal website and updated annually. We welcome your attention and thank you.
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Bloomberg:
I have two questions. First, looking at China's export data this year to a number of countries, including America, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore, it seems that China is exporting more than those countries say they are importing from China, which is impossible. Do you have an explanation for why China's export data for exports to Malaysia, Singapore and the U.S. is higher than their import data for imports from China? My second question is, why don't you release the USD data at this press conference? Most of China's trade is denominated in USD, and yet we only get the CNY data at this press conference. We have to wait an hour or longer for the USD data, which is more representative of the trend of Chinese trade. Can we have the USD data released at this press conference like it was in the past? Thank you.
Lyu Daliang:
Regarding your first question, I think it's about statistical discrepancy in bilateral trade, and I addressed this previously. The statistics from China's customs and those of its trading partners should theoretically be mirror images of each other. However, in reality, the statistics might not be completely consistent due to various reasons, such as re-exports to third places. Currently, China conducts comparative cooperation on trade statistics with some countries, but not with every country. All our data is publicly available online, and anyone interested in bilateral trade statistics can conduct their own analysis.
Regarding your second question, I believe it's a matter of currency denomination in import and export data. Since 2014, we have fully adopted local currency pricing, which means publishing China's import and export data in CNY. However, for the sake of continuity, we also release USD-denominated data online, as you mentioned. Both sets of data are published simultaneously: the CNY-denominated data is available both online and offline, while the USD-denominated data is only available online. You can check the USD-denominated data on our website if needed. Thank you.
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China News Service:
What achievements has the GAC made since rolling out the 16 measures to optimize the business environment? Additionally, could you share information on the measures that the GAC plans to introduce in the near future to further promote stable growth and structural optimization in foreign trade? Thank you.
Lyu Daliang:
Thank you for your questions. Since the beginning of this year, the GAC has firmly implemented the decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council. We've been promoting stable growth and structural optimization in foreign trade, emphasizing a package of measures aimed at stability and quality improvement. Within the realm of customs responsibilities, we have introduced targeted policies and measures. In June of this year, we rolled out 16 measures to optimize the customs business environment. Every directly affiliated customs authority has since introduced detailed supporting measures, creating a cohesive set of policies and actions to stabilize foreign trade. We've fully implement concrete measures, establishing a mechanism for tracking and feedback on their implementation. We have actively engaged in in-depth communication with enterprises, disseminating policies, gathering feedback, and addressing concerns, thereby enhancing the synergistic effects of our policies and supporting the stable development of foreign trade. Based on our tracking, we can see that the 16 measures are gradually taking effect. Broadly speaking, enterprises are experiencing benefits in three main areas:
First, cross-border logistics have become more convenient. We've expanded pilot programs for facilitation measures such as "direct pick-up at the port," "direct loading upon arrival," and "linkage unloading." The inspection and clearance processes for high-tech equipment have been optimized, and the efficiency of inspection and clearance for bulk commodities has improved, effectively ensuring the swift movement of imported and exported goods. For example, the "linkage unloading" supervision model between Shanghai Yangshan Port and related ports in the Yangtze River Delta has led to an uptick in the frequency of internal branch lines such as the Shanghai-Taicang Port route, resulting in a 30% reduction in export logistics costs per container.
Second, the easing of burdens and improvements in efficiency are increasingly evident. Among the 16 measures, many aim to reduce costs and increase convenience for enterprises. These include facilitating export tax rebates, increasing efforts to nurture credit for enterprises that use special and sophisticated technologies to produce novel and unique products, enhancing the facilitation of customs clearance for Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) enterprises both domestically and abroad, and broadening the scope of voluntary disclosure policies to offer enterprises convenient channels for error correction and observance of law. Since the start of this year, solely through the application of the voluntary disclosure policy, enterprises have been legally exempted from over 100 million yuan in late payment penalties. At the same time, we have improved the customs "12360 hotline" service and leveraged mechanisms such as "customs director reception day" and "customs director policy delivery" to offer timely aid to enterprises in addressing practical issues, continually boosting the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction among import and export enterprises.
Third, there's growing development momentum driven by innovation. Robust support has been provided for the healthy development of new models, such as cross-border e-commerce. The scope of trials for the return of retail export goods and bonded retail import goods bought via cross-border e-commerce has been expanded across various customs regions, continuously addressing the "difficult returns" issue faced by enterprises involved in cross-border e-commerce. Initiatives have been fast-tracked to promote comprehensive reforms in bonded zones, with the roll-out of 23 measures aimed at fostering the high-quality development of these zones, fully leveraging the potential of comprehensive bonded zones as a high-land for opening-up.
In the next step, we will continue to closely monitor the implementation of policies and measures while deepening our understanding of the expectations and demands of enterprises and local governments. Focusing on key directions such as stabilizing and expanding exports, exploring diversified markets, and assisting enterprises in overcoming difficulties, we will bolster our reserve of policies and measures for stabilizing foreign trade. We will introduce new policies and measures in a timely manner to help enterprises receive orders, expand their markets, and promote both stable growth and structural optimization in foreign trade. Thank you.
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Zhejiang Daily Tide News:
In the first three quarters, China's imports and exports with BRI partner countries saw stable growth. What do you believe are the main factors driving this growth? Additionally, what new measures have Chinese customs introduced to promote the joint construction of the Belt and Road? Thank you.
Lyu Daliang:
Thank you for your questions. Since the BRI was proposed, China's connectivity with BRI partner countries has significantly improved. This enhancement has led to increased convenience in international trade and cross-border logistics, heightened the efficiency of both domestic and international cooperation, and expanded the level and scope of industrial collaboration. Consequently, trade between China and BRI countries has seen a steady rise. In the first three quarters of this year, total imports and exports between China and BRI partner countries grew by 3.1% to reach 14.32 trillion yuan ($1.96 trillion), accounting for 46.5% of the country's total import and export value.
The GAC has thoroughly implemented General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions, placing priority on promoting high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. This year, our focus has been directed towards the following key areas:
First, we've taken proactive measures to facilitate the entry and import of high-quality agricultural and food products. In the first three quarters, we signed 67 cooperation documents on customs inspection and quarantine with BRI countries, 50 of which pertain to access to agricultural and food products.
Second, we have continued to advance trade facilitation cooperation. We signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on "single window" cooperation in international trade with Iran Customs. Additionally, we signed Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) cooperation documents with the Philippines, Costa Rica, Uzbekistan, and South Africa.
Third, we have made significant efforts to enhance our ports' physical and digital infrastructure. We've improved the Belt and Road Customs Information Sharing and Exchange Platform and ensured the stable operation of the Customs-Train Operators Partnership for Secure and Expedited Clearance of CR Express Carried Goods (C-TOP) between China and Kazakhstan.
Fourth, we actively participated in the preparations for the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) and a thematic forum on trade connectivity of the BRF.
Fifth, we successfully organized the Conference on Import & Export Food Safety Cooperation of the Belt and Road, which promoted institutional cooperation among Belt and Road customs authorities for food safety.
As the high-quality development of the Belt and Road cooperation progresses, trade connectivity between China and BRI countries is expected to become even more efficient. We anticipate enhancements in the liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment, as well as improved cooperation in industrial and supply chain integration, leading to higher levels of trade development. The GAC will continue to refine and expand various bilateral and multilateral cooperation mechanisms with partner countries. We will vigorously promote cooperation in trade security and facilitation, as well as in inspection and quarantine, all aimed at ensuring the high-quality joint building of the BRI for stable and long-term development. Thank you.
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United Daily News:
Data from the first eight months of this year shows a continuous decline in imports and exports between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan. At the same time, the mainland has initiated a trade barrier investigation into Taiwan's trade-restrictive measures. How does the GAC plan to promote the normalization of economic and trade relations across the Taiwan Strait to ensure mutual benefits? Thank you.
Lyu Daliang:
Thank you for your question. First, let me provide some context on cross-Strait trade. In the first three quarters of this year, the total trade value between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan was 1.36 trillion yuan, representing a 14.6% decrease compared to the same period last year. Specifically, mainland exports to Taiwan stood at 351.8 billion yuan, a drop of 15% year on year, while mainland imports from Taiwan totaled 1.01 trillion yuan, marking a decline of 14.5%.
This year, the GAC has implemented innovative measures within its purview to facilitate trade and enhance the business environment at ports. As I noted earlier, these initiatives have yielded positive outcomes. We will continue to closely monitor trade trends and the execution of pertinent policies. We will strengthen our policy measures to stabilize foreign trade and introduce additional policies as necessary to ensure its steady development. Thank you.
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Shenzhen TV:
Cross-border e-commerce, as a rapidly developing new form of foreign trade, is an essential avenue for many enterprises to secure orders. How did the imports and exports of cross-border e-commerce perform in the first three quarters? Thank you.
Lyu Daliang:
Thank you for your question. Concerning the statistics on cross-border e-commerce, during our briefing for the first half of the year, I presented the frequency of statistical surveys for China's cross-border e-commerce, which includes annual and semiannual reports. As for the statistics for the first three quarters that you are inquiring about, we have obtained preliminary calculated statistics based on historical data and the most recent updates on imports and exports, provided here for your reference. In the first three quarters, China's cross-border e-commerce imports and exports amounted to 1.7 trillion yuan, marking a 14.4% increase. This includes 1.3 trillion yuan in exports, reflecting a 17.7% increase, and 0.4 trillion yuan in imports, which rose by 5.3%. Thank you.
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Cover News:
Does weak demand on the international market influence China's exports? What is your prediction regarding the development trend of foreign trade in the fourth quarter? Thank you.
Lyu Daliang:
Thank you for your questions. As you all know, since the beginning of this year, the global economy's recovery has been sluggish, and global trade development has encountered multiple challenges. Specifically, persistently weak external demand has directly impacted China's exports. The CPC Central Committee and the State Council have promptly introduced a series of policies and initiatives to stabilize foreign trade, effectively alleviating difficulties for enterprises. Meanwhile, enterprises have taken proactive measures to address changes in international demand. They have secured orders, optimized their structures, and explored new markets, continuously expanding new opportunities for development. China's exports have demonstrated significant resilience in the face of difficulties and challenges. According to customs statistics, in the first three quarters, China's exports increased by 0.6%. Especially in the past two months, China's exports have shown more positive changes. The export volume in August and September continued to grow, with month-on-month increases of 1.2% and 5.5%, respectively, demonstrating a clear trend of steady recovery. To be specific:
First, export volume has resumed positive growth, and the recovery momentum has become more robust. Price and volume are two apparent factors that affect trade value. The decline in some monthly export values this year is primarily attributable to the decrease in export prices. Regarding volume, trade volume in August increased by 5.9% compared to the previous year, following year-on-year decreases in previous months, and year-on-year growth further rose to 7.9% in September.
Second, the export of traditional advantageous products has stabilized, and green products have continued to be growth drivers for exports. In the last two months, the export of traditional advantageous products within the consumer electronics industrial chain has shown a steady recovery. The export growth of integrated circuits has re-entered positive territory in August, with a year-on-year growth rate reaching 2.8% in September. In September, the export of mobile phones and computers grew by 124.9% and 8.3% month on month, respectively, with year-on-year declines narrowing by 14.3 and 13.4 percentage points from August. Concurrently, the export value of the "new three" products, namely lithium batteries, electronic passenger vehicles, and solar cells, has maintained double-digit growth for 14 consecutive quarters.
Third, in terms of the market, exports to major traditional markets have significantly improved, while exports to emerging markets have grown at a faster rate. In September, the year-on-year decline in China's exports to Japan, the EU, South Korea, and the U.S. narrowed by 14.1, 8.7, 8.1, and 0.5 percentage points from August, and the year-on-year growth rate of exports to the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, and other emerging markets further increased.
Regarding the export development trend in the fourth quarter, we believe that the shaky global economic recovery still presents the greatest challenge to exports, but China's comprehensive competitive advantages in exports remain stable. According to statistical surveys of trade outlook conducted by Chinese customs, the proportion of enterprises with stable or increasing export orders in September increased by a 0.8 percentage point compared to August. Additionally, the proportion of enterprises expressing a positive outlook toward future exports rose by 1.3 percentage points. In general, with supportive policies, the efforts of enterprises, and the joint contributions of all parties, we anticipate that the steady growth in exports will be consolidated in the fourth quarter. Thank you.
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Southern Metropolis Daily:
Private enterprises are the largest business entity in China's foreign trade. What are the outstanding characteristics of private enterprises' imports and exports this year? What has customs done to implement the country's major opinions on promoting the development of private economy? Thank you.
Lyu Daliang:
Thank you for your questions. Private enterprises have become a vital force in promoting Chinese modernization and are an indispensable and important foundation for high-quality development. They have played a positive role in stabilizing growth, promoting employment, and improving people's livelihoods. In the field of foreign trade, in the first three quarters, the import and export of China's private enterprises increased by 6.1%, which was significantly better than the overall rate. They stand as the backbone of stabilizing scale and optimizing structure. Specifically:
First, private enterprises are the main engine of foreign trade growth. In the first three quarters, the number of private enterprises actually involved in exports and imports was 511,800 in China, with a volume of 16.34 trillion yuan, accounting for 85.7% and 53.1% of the total, respectively. This marked an increase of 1.1 and 3.1 percentage points year on year, showcasing notable growth. At the same time, the monthly import and export performance of private enterprises was better than the overall performance. In August, the import and export figures turned positive ahead of the overall trend. In September, the growth rate increased by 4.1 percentage points to 6.6%, indicating a promising trend.
Second, private enterprises are a vital force in innovation and development. For example, private enterprises continue to play a leading role in green and low-carbon development. In the first three quarters, the proportion of private enterprises in the export of solar cells, lithium batteries, and electric passenger vehicles further increased to 78.9%, 59.9%, and 56.8%, respectively. Participation of private enterprises in the semiconductor industry also continues to increase. In the first three quarters, the proportion of private enterprises in integrated circuit imports and exports increased by 2.6 and 4.9 percentage points, respectively, to 42% and 32.8%.
Third, private enterprises are the vanguard of brand building. In recent years, a number of independent brands of private enterprises have emerged in China in the fields of photovoltaics, construction machinery, and consumer electronics, signifying the transition from "Made in China" to "Created in China," thereby further enhancing the reputation of the country's brands. In the first three quarters, among the solar cells, construction machinery, and computers exported by China's private enterprises, the proportions of self-owned brand products were 78%, 57.9%, and 52.4%, respectively.
Fourth, private enterprises are also a leading force in importing and exporting consumer goods. Their imports adapt to the diversified domestic needs and meet people's aspirations for a better life, while their exports provide high-quality products for the international market, benefiting consumers worldwide. In the first three quarters, private enterprises made up the largest part in imports of food, tobacco and alcohol; daily chemicals; and cultural and entertainment consumer goods in China, accounting for 70.7%, 53.9%, and 49.6%, respectively. During the same period, the private sector also stood as the leading force in the export of textiles, clothing, shoes, and bags and suitcases in our country, accounting for more than 80% of the total.
This year, the GAC has introduced 16 measures to optimize the business environment. All customs offices directly under the GAC have also introduced detailed supporting measures to strengthen policy synergies. They actively visited businesses to explain preferential policies, gather feedback, and address challenges, thereby supporting the stable development of foreign trade. As we implement these measures, policy benefits continue to deliver, gaining increasing satisfaction among foreign trade businesses. Going forward, the Customs will remain steadfast in executing the strategies set by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council to bolster private economy. We will focus on streamlining logistics, facilitating trade, alleviating business burdens, enhancing efficiency, and driving innovative growth, all to rejuvenate confidence within the private sector. Thank you.
Shou Xiaoli:
The last two questions, please.
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Beijing Youth Daily:
In recent years, ASEAN has remained China's largest trading partner. I would like to inquire about the imports and exports between China and ASEAN since the beginning of this year. Thank you.
Lyu Daliang:
Thank you for your question. Let me start by introducing the trade performance between China and ASEAN. In the first three quarters this year, imports and exports between China and ASEAN reached 4.68 trillion yuan, up 0.8% year on year, accounting for 15.2% of China's total foreign trade. ASEAN remains China's largest trading partner, and bilateral trade and economic exchanges have maintained a sound momentum for development. To be specific:
First, there's a deepening of industrial integration, with close two-way trade in intermediate products. Since 2012, ASEAN has been China's largest trading partner in the trade of intermediate products. In the first three quarters of the year, 64.3% of the combined import and export value between China and ASEAN came from the trade of intermediate goods. China and ASEAN have closely cooperated in the electronic information and automobile industries. In the first three quarters, ASEAN has also been China's biggest source for the import of components for audio and video equipment and display modules of tablets, with rapid growth achieved in their import value. At the same time, China's exports of automotive components, diodes, automatic data processing equipment accessories, and lithium batteries have all seen various degrees of growth.
Second, our cooperation has been continuously broadened, and the trade of agricultural products has been facilitated with a greater variety. Two major cross-border gateways, namely, the rail-sea intermodal trains along the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor in western China and the China-Laos Railway, have been instrumental in boosting bilateral trade and the market access for agricultural food products has been actively promoted. In addition, we've been actively facilitating the entry of ASEAN's unique agricultural products into the Chinese market. In the first three quarters, China imported 193.24 billion yuan worth of agricultural products from ASEAN, an increase of 6.5%. The import performance of certain specific agricultural products was impressive. For example, dried and fresh fruits and nuts, saw exports worth 61.46 billion yuan, up 35.3%, among which fresh durian, mangosteen, and pineapple were up 81.1%, 17%, and 14.4%, respectively.
Last month, China held the 20th China-ASEAN Expo and China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit. Over the past 20 years, the scale of trade between China and the ASEAN has achieved an increase of 6 trillion yuan, reaching 6.42 trillion yuan in 2022. China and ASEAN have been each other's largest trading partners for three consecutive years. Looking ahead, with the full implementation of the RCEP and accelerating progress in negotiations on the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement 3.0, the scope of cooperation between China and the ASEAN will be further expanded, and exchanges in areas related to economy and trade will be deepened. There is a huge potential for trade development between China and the ASEAN, and the "cake" for mutually beneficial cooperation will continue to grow. Thank you.
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Nanfang Daily, Nafang Plus:
In terms of the export of green and low-carbon products, as Mr. Lyu mentioned earlier, the export of the "new three" products, namely, electronic passenger vehicles, lithium batteries, and solar cells, have maintained sustained growth over the years. Could you provide insights into the export performance of the "new three" products in the first three quarters of this year and elaborate on the measures adopted by the GAC to promote the export of green and low-carbon products? Thank you.
Lyu Daliang:
Thank you for your questions. At present, the green and low-carbon transformation of the global economy is speeding up, and China has made notable progress in fostering new drivers for green and low-carbon development, boosting rapid growth in the export of the "new three" products represented by electronic passenger vehicles, lithium batteries, and solar cells. In the first three quarters, these "new three" products collectively achieved exports totaling 798.99 billion yuan, up 41.7% year on year, accounting for 4.5% of China's total exports, with a year-on-year increase of 1.3 percentage points.
The GAC has been consistently driving innovation in its mode of regulatory service, optimizing the business environment for cross-border trade, and addressing the demands of emerging industries such as electronic passenger vehicles, lithium batteries, and solar cells. This has invigorated enterprises in business operation and product export, contributed to boosting the international competitiveness of products. It has also promoted the ongoing growth of the "new three" products, further contributing to the green and low-carbon development of the global economy. Thank you.
Shou Xiaoli:
Today's briefing is hereby concluded. Thanks to Mr. Lyu and friends from the media. See you.
Translated and edited by Zhang Rui, Wang Qian, Yan Xiaoqing, Zhou Jing, Zhang Tingting, Huang Shan, Wang Ziteng, Liu Sitong, Mi Xingang, Liuqiang, Lin Liyao, Yuan Fang, Liu Caiyi, Wang Yanfang, Guo Yiming, Zhang Junmian, Xu Kailin, Wang Yiming, Li Huiru, David Ball, Tom Arnsten, and Jay Birbeck. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.
