Official data released on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, reveals a significant surge in trade between China and other Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies during the 14th Five-Year Plan period from 2021 to 2025. The total trade volume reached an impressive 125.49 trillion yuan, which is approximately equivalent to US$18.05 trillion. This figure represents a substantial increase of 39.4 percent compared to the previous five-year period, underscoring the robust economic integration within the region.
Key Highlights from the 2026 APEC Customs Meeting
The data was presented at the first plenary meeting of the 2026 APEC Sub-Committee on Customs Procedures (SCCP), held in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province in southern China. During this meeting, it was disclosed that trade for the year 2025 alone amounted to 26.29 trillion yuan. This accounted for nearly 60 percent of China's total foreign trade in that year, highlighting the critical importance of APEC partnerships to China's economic strategy.
Asia-Pacific as the Global Growth Engine
Zhao Zenglian, the deputy head of China's General Administration of Customs (GAC), emphasized the pivotal role of the Asia-Pacific region in driving global economic growth. He noted that the region's total economic volume now constitutes over 60 percent of the global economy, reinforcing its status as a primary engine for worldwide development. This statistic aligns with the observed trade growth, suggesting a symbiotic relationship between regional economic expansion and trade activities.
Initiatives for Enhanced Customs Cooperation
As the chair of the SCCP for 2026, the GAC has proposed three key initiatives aimed at strengthening regional cooperation. These initiatives are designed to foster a more efficient and resilient trade environment:
- Deepening Cooperation Under the Smart Customs Partnership: This initiative focuses on leveraging advanced technologies to streamline customs procedures, reduce barriers, and enhance transparency in trade operations.
- Enhancing Supply-Chain Resilience: In response to global disruptions, this proposal aims to bolster the stability and reliability of supply chains across APEC economies, ensuring smoother trade flows.
- Accelerating Digital Transformation: By promoting digital solutions, this effort seeks to modernize customs processes, improve data sharing, and support the growth of e-commerce and other digital trade activities.
These proposals reflect a forward-looking approach to addressing contemporary challenges in international trade, with a focus on innovation and collaboration among APEC members.
