China expands imports to drive global trade growth

Mettis Global reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping has repeatedly described the drive to widen imports as a lasting strategy rather than a stopgap measure. The proposed 15th Five-Year Plan for 2026 to 2030 places more weight on high-standard opening, a better balance between imports and exports, and a bigger role for trade promotion platforms. On November 4, 2025, Premier Li Qiang opened a set of events under the Export to China banner, aiming to give foreign suppliers easier entry to the Chinese market.

Beijing presents the programme as a way to share growth, promote more balanced trade and back the multilateral trading framework, especially by opening export routes for developing economies. Officials argue that buying more advanced technology, key equipment and consumer products can upgrade industry and respond to growing demand at home. Nearly 40 Export to China events had been held at home and abroad by the end of July, and 43 zones now support import trade and innovation.

Mettis Global also notes that China applies zero tariffs to every taxable category of goods from 53 African states with ties to Beijing. In the first half of 2026, goods imports reached 10.74 trillion yuan, about $1.59 trillion, up 22.1% year on year. Full-year imports are projected to exceed 20 trillion yuan for the first time, and goods from over 150 trading partners also grew in that period.