China is returning to the export boom of the mid-2000s

China’s exports for January–September 2026 rose by 21.3 per cent year-on-year, reaching $3.4 trillion. In September, growth accelerated to 36.3 per cent, bringing the country closer to the export boom rates of the mid-2000s. This was reported by the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB).

Exports of high-tech products grew particularly rapidly — by almost 46 per cent over the nine-month period. Key goods included microchips, computers, electric vehicles, lithium batteries and ships.

The largest export markets remain the ASEAN countries, which account for 18 per cent of exports, the European Union (14 per cent) and the US (10 per cent). In September, exports to these destinations rose by 52.5 per cent, 25 per cent and 40 per cent respectively.

According to the EDB’s assessment, trade agreements with the US could support Chinese exports until the end of the year. However, in 2027, risks will remain in the form of a slowdown in global investment in technology and new trade restrictions.