China’s Freight Flows Point to Steady Economic Momentum in 2025
Freight volumes suggest stable conditions in industrial and domestic demand rather than a cyclical upswing.
Freight volumes suggest stable conditions in industrial and domestic demand rather than a cyclical upswing.
Imports have stabilised around USD 2.6 trillion, signalling softer domestic demand and a continued tilt toward commodity-intensive sourcing.
Exports remain anchored in machinery and higher-value manufacturing, while trade flows have reoriented toward Asia and diversification partners.
While PMI remained cautious and marginally contractionary, steady export demand and resilient output kept manufacturing on a modest but stable growth path.
Retail sales improved marginally year-on-year, supported by resilient online spending and stronger rural consumption.
China’s 2025 expansion reflects steady export growth and a return to mid-single-digit overall trade momentum.
China handled 18.3 billion tonnes of port freight in 2025, including 5.7 billion tonnes of foreign trade cargo.
FDI and M&A remained concentrated in Asia and North America, while infrastructure attracted the bulk of project-financed investment.
China reached 5% growth in 2025 on the back of exports and industrial strength, while consumption remained secondary.
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