Artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and other cutting-edge manufacturing sectors are rapidly reshaping China’s foreign trade landscape. In the first half of the year, five cities in the top 20 moved upward on the trade rankings, while seven others experienced declines.
Shenzhen continued to lead domestically in imports and exports, hitting a record high of nearly CNY 2.88 trillion (approximately USD 426.8 billion) for the six months ending June 30. Following closely was Shanghai, which reached nearly CNY 2.55 trillion — also a new peak. Suzhou secured third place with CNY 1.83 trillion, surpassing Beijing by CNY 41.5 billion (around USD 6.2 billion), according to customs data.
Overall, China’s international trade grew by 17% in the first half compared to the previous year. Cities like Xi’an, Hefei, Suzhou, and Shenzhen experienced impressive gains of 96%, 42%, 41%, and 33%, respectively. This trend indicates that trade opportunities, manufacturing orders, and investments are increasingly concentrated in these high-growth urban centers.
A key driver behind the robust trade performance in the Yangtze River Delta—including cities like Hangzhou, Nanjing, Shanghai, Suzhou, and Wuxi—is the surge in demand for new energy vehicles, solar panels, and computing chips. This trend aligns with the global shift toward green energy and the rising influence of artificial intelligence, explained Zhan Yubo, a deputy director and researcher at a leading social sciences institute.
In Shenzhen, high-tech exports reached CNY 1.7 trillion, making up 59% of total trade. Notably, exports of smart devices — such as 3D printers, digital cameras, and industrial robots — jumped 92% to CNY 15.2 billion. Shanghai’s exports of advanced technology goods increased by 35%, representing nearly 30% of its total exports. Noteworthy growth was seen in integrated circuits (up 21%) and automobiles (up 82%).
Suzhou’s manufacturing sector specializing in computers, communication, and electronics expanded by 68% in the first half, constituting 53% of the city’s exports. Electrical machinery exports rose by 19%, with electrical equipment shipments increasing by 26%, and household appliances growing 14%. Additionally, pharmaceutical exports soared 88%. Lithium batteries and solar products experienced remarkable growth, surging 79% and 103%, respectively.