China signals fresh push for balanced foreign trade

China is ramping up efforts to better balance imports and exports as it seeks to optimize its trade structure and drive high-quality economic growth.

A commentary in Qiushi Journal — a key publication of the Communist Party — said achieving more balanced trade is essential to expanding opening-up and improving living standards. The approach is a priority under

China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030).

In recent years, China has moved to boost imports, cutting tariffs to about 7.3 percent and expanding platforms like the China International Import Expo. In 2025, imports reached 18.48 trillion yuan, maintaining China’s position as the world’s second-largest importer.

The article stressed that China’s trade surplus is not policy-driven, but stems from stronger supply chains, manufacturing competitiveness and innovation. It warned that over-reliance on exports could expose the economy to global risks and distort domestic development.

Instead, Beijing aims to expand imports, upgrade export structure and better link domestic and global markets — not reduce exports, but create more balanced, sustainable growth.

Early 2026 data already show this shift, with both imports and exports rising sharply and imports growing faster.

Officials say China’s vast market still holds major potential, with plans to increase imports of agricultural goods, consumer products and advanced technology.

“Imports and exports are like two wheels — the more balanced they are, the smoother the economy runs,” Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said.