Foreign-invested enterprises operating in China saw their total import and export volume reach 3.47 trillion yuan (around 508 billion U.S. dollars) in the first quarter of 2026, up 16.1 percent year on year, a senior customs official said on Tuesday in Beijing.

Wang Jun, vice-minister of the General Administration of Customs, made the remarks at a news conference on China's import and export performance for the first quarter of 2026.

"Foreign-invested enterprises are an important part of China's foreign trade. Customs data shows that in the first quarter of this year, the import and export volume of foreign-invested enterprises operating in China was 3.47 trillion yuan (around 508 billion U.S. dollars), up by 16.1 percent year on year, growing for eight consecutive quarters. Both export and import growth rates recorded double-digit growth, showcasing great vitality," he said.

Wang noted that a growing number of foreign-invested enterprises are engaging in import and export activities. He added that China continues to unleash the benefits of its super-large market, making it a fertile ground for investment.

In the first quarter, more than 6,200 new foreign-invested enterprises were registered with customs authorities. The number of foreign-funded companies with import and export records rose by over 1,000 to reach 69,000, Wang said.

He emphasized that foreign-invested companies play an important role in developing the country's new quality productive forces, a crucial part of China's development strategy. In return, China offers these firm a complete industrial system and a rich environment for innovation, he said.

Wang also highlighted that foreign-invested enterprises are deepening their integration into China’s manufacturing sector. These businesses account for over 30 percent of the total import and export volume in automobile manufacturing, instrument manufacturing, and pharmaceutical manufacturing sectors, he said.

"In the first quarter, the import and export volume of foreign-invested enterprises in the electronic information, new materials, high-end equipment and other high-tech sectors witnessed an increase of 44.7 percent, 11.1 percent and 9.8 percent, respectively. Meanwhile, foreign-invested enterprises' export products are more relevant to the smart industry. In the first quarter, export of industrial robots and 3D printers from foreign-invested enterprises accounts for more than 30 percent and 60 percent of total exports of these products, respectively, with the growth rate higher than the national average for these products," Wang said.

The vice minister further underscored the country’s predictable policies and open environment, both of which are highly valued by foreign firms.

In the first quarter, foreign-invested enterprises saw growth in imports and exports with nearly 170 countries and regions, with more than 130 of them experiencing double-digit growth. During the same period, nearly 60 percent of foreign-invested enterprises achieved growth in imports and exports, according to Wang.

These businesses, he added, continue to view China as a cornerstone and anchor for global development, as well as a safe and promising investment destination.