According to data collected by analysts at AsstrA, in the January-July of 2025, China’s foreign trade showed steady growth, supported by strong export performance and a shift toward high-tech and industrial products. While exports continued to rise, imports declined slightly, reflecting changes in domestic demand and production dynamics.
The economy demonstrates steady growth in the export and import of high-tech and industrial goods, such as mechanical and electrical products, particularly integrated circuits and automobiles. Concurrently, there is a significant decline in the import of raw materials and agricultural products indicating a shift in priorities toward high-tech manufacturing and a reduced reliance on imported raw materials and energy resources.
China is also gradually reorienting its trade partnerships. Trade with ASEAN and the EU expanded, driven primarily by increased exports, while trade with the U.S. declined sharply in both directions. These shifts reflect ongoing efforts to diversify trade relations and reduce exposure to geopolitical risks.
China's industrial sector exhibited sustained expansion in July 2025. China's industrial sector is experiencing robust growth, with a 5.7% year-on-year increase in value-added industrial output in July 2025, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Industrial Production grew fast and equipment manufacturing and High-Tech manufacturing showed good growth.
From an industry perspective, the value added of 35 out of 41 major industrial sectors sustained year-on-year growth in July, underscoring a broad foundation for industrial expansion. The highest growth rates in value added were observed in the following sectors:
- The manufacture of railway, shipbuilding, aerospace, and other transport equipment;
- The manufacture of electrical machinery and apparatus;
- Manufacture of computers, communication equipment and other electronic equipment;
- Smelting and pressing of ferrous metals;
- Manufacture of automobiles;
- Manufacture of general purpose machinery;
- Manufacture of raw chemical materials and chemical products;
- The smelting and pressing of non-ferrous metals;
- The processing of food products from agricultural and sideline sources;
- Manufacture of rubber and plastics products.
Swiss group of companies AsstrA-Associated Traffic AG supports the evolving demands of these dynamic sectors, offering comprehensive transportation solutions tailored to the unique requirements of high-tech, industrial, and consumer goods.
AsstrA maintains a strong on-the-ground presence worldwide that facilitates optimized logistics solutions between China and global markets. This enables AsstrA to deliver exceptional service, adapt to market shifts quickly, and support the international growth of its clients’ businesses.
