China's imports maintained a good growth momentum in the first quarter of 2026, surging 19.6 percent year on year, Chinese Commerce Ministry Spokesperson He Yongqian said on Thursday, underscoring the robust resilience of the country's foreign trade and the vast potential of its market.

The country's high-tech industries in the January-March period developed rapidly, with imports of integrated circuits and computer parts increasing by 41.4 percent and 45.3 percent, respectively.

In the first quarter, consumption potential continued to be unlocked, with imports of consumer goods increasing by 5.4 percent.

The country's industrial operation went up steadily, and imports of bulk commodities continued to grow, with crude oil, iron ore, and grain increasing by 8.9 percent, 10.5 percent, and 11.2 percent, respectively.

In terms of places of origin, China saw import growth from over 150 countries and regions. ASEAN is the largest source of China's imports, representing 14.8 percent of the total. Imports from RCEP member countries, Europe, and Latin America increased by 25 percent, 26.4 percent, and 26.3 percent, respectively, all outpacing the average growth rate.

In terms of trade entities, all kinds of market entities saw growth. Private and foreign-invested enterprises saw 23.5 percent and 23 percent surge in imports, respectively, raising their shares of China's total imports to 46.9 percent and 32.2 percent. And state-owned enterprises' imports rose 7.5 percent.

"Next, we will highly promote 'Export to China', fully implement the zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries which have diplomatic relations with China, continue to run well the China International Import Expo, better leverage the role of national-level demonstration zones for the creative promotion of imports, and share new opportunities for China's development with countries around the world," she said.