China’s exports continued to expand strongly in the first nine months of 2026, with rapid growth across major Asian destinations and sustained demand for manufactured goods. The figures highlight both the scale of China’s export economy and the increasingly important role of regional trade networks in supporting its international sales.

Hong Kong SAR (China) emerged as China’s largest recorded export destination, with shipments rising 50% year-on-year to USD 358 billion, although its role as a major re-export hub means much of this trade ultimately serves other markets. Elsewhere in Asia, exports to Malaysia and South Korea rose 39%, to Taiwan (China) 37%, to Thailand 35%, and to Vietnam 31%. By comparison, exports to the U.S. grew by approximately 10%, illustrating the markedly different growth rates across China’s major trading partners.

Manufactured goods remain the backbone of China’s export economy. Electrical machinery & electronics accounted for USD 1.01 trillion in exports, followed by machinery & mechanical equipment at USD 567 billion. Together, these two categories accounted for nearly 47% of China’s merchandise exports, reflecting the country’s extensive manufacturing capabilities and central role in global industrial supply chains.

Vehicles & parts were another standout performer, with exports rising 38% to USD 243 billion. Electrical machinery & electronics followed closely, with 37% growth, while mineral fuels and oils rose 32% and aluminium products 31%. These gains demonstrate that export expansion extends beyond traditional consumer goods into automotive, industrial and technology-related products.

China’s export sector remains highly competitive across a broad range of industries. Rapid growth in shipments to Asian markets reflects the importance of regional production networks, while the scale of machinery and electronics exports underlines China’s continuing influence over global supply chains.