Trade with Central Asia fuels China’s record export performance

China’s trade with five Central Asian countries maintained strong momentum in the first eleven months of 2025, increasing by 9%.

During the period from January to November, the Beijing metropolitan region saw a record high in exports, reaching 568.35 billion yuan (approximately $80 billion), a 3% year-on-year increase, says data from Beijing Customs. Growth was primarily driven by integrated circuits, automobiles, and flat-panel display modules, Xinhua reports.

The region’s total foreign trade turnover—including central government entities in Beijing—totaled 2.93 trillion yuan ($418.57 billion), with imports accounting for 2.36 trillion yuan ($337.14 billion). Trade with countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative reached 1.76 trillion yuan ($251.43 billion), representing 60.1% of the total. In addition to Central Asia (+9%), notable trade growth was recorded with South Africa (+23.2%) and the Taiwan region (+6.5%).

Emerging sectors led export growth. Automobile shipments rose 25.4%, auto parts 14.4%, integrated circuits 11.8%, and flat-panel display modules surged 70.5%. Medical devices increased 23.2%, photovoltaic products skyrocketed 242.3%, and wind power equipment grew 6.2%.

Record activity was also observed at Beijing’s major air hubs. Beijing Capital and Daxing International Airports handled import-export operations totaling 704.22 billion yuan ($100.60 billion), surpassing previous highs. In the comprehensive bonded zone at Daxing Airport, the value of imported and exported goods reached 4.63 billion yuan ($661.43 million), up 54.8% from the previous year.

By Vafa Guliyeva