New trends drive China-Central Asia trade growth

China's Ministry of Commerce on Thursday highlighted trends in China-Central Asia trade, including rapid growth in high-tech exports, cross-border e-commerce, and deeper integration under the Belt and Road Initiative.

China-Central Asia trade reached a record high in 2025, with total goods trade exceeding 106.3 billion U.S. dollars, marking the first time the figure has crossed the 100-billion-dollar threshold, according to the Ministry.

"Goods trade grew by 12 percent year on year. Both imports and exports registered strong growth, increasing by 14 percent and 11 percent respectively. Central Asia has become one of the fastest-growing regions in China's foreign trade," commerce ministry spokeswoman He Yongqian said Thursday at a press conference in Beijing.

Highlighting structural improvements, He noted that China's exports to Central Asia were increasingly driven by the "new three."

"China's exports to Central Asia are focused on expanding new growth areas, with development shifting 'toward innovation.' Mechanical and electrical products accounted for over 55 percent of total exports, while the market share of the 'new three' - electric vehicles (EVs), solar batteries, and lithium-ion batteries – has steadily increased. On the import side, China is focused on maintaining stable volumes while improving quality, as more high-quality, distinctive products from Central Asian countries make their way into households across China," said He.

Cross-border e-commerce also saw rapid development, with trade volume reaching 800 million U.S. dollars, up over 20 percent year on year.

According to He, trade and investment are becoming more deeply integrated through Belt and Road cooperation, unlocking long-term potential.

Looking ahead, the ministry said it will continue to optimize the trade structure, foster new forms of business, and promote the integrated development of trade and investment.

Yu Wence, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, emphasized the broader significance of the progress.

"This milestone achievement is a result of China's active efforts to expand opening up and promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. Against the backdrop of headwinds facing globalization and the rise of trade protectionism, its significance is all the more remarkable," said Yu.