China Boosts Sustainable Trade in 2026 to Expand Exports and Imports

China is seeking to implement a new strategy centered on sustainable trade in 2026, aiming to achieve more balanced growth in its foreign trade amid growing international criticism over its trade surplus exceeding one trillion dollars.

Han Wenxiu, deputy director of the Central Financial and Economic Affairs Commission, said Beijing will continue its opening-up policy and strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation, while expanding exports and increasing imports to support sustainable trade and reduce global imbalances.

He added that the plan includes promoting services exports, boosting household incomes, increasing basic pensions, and removing what he described as unjustified restrictions on consumption, in order to strengthen domestic demand alongside sustainable trade.

These remarks come as the International Monetary Fund has urged China to take bold steps to curb its reliance on exports and reinforce domestic consumption, warning that a production-led growth model could deepen global trade tensions.

Analysts believe that embracing sustainable trade could help ease international concerns and provide the Chinese economy with greater resilience while maintaining long-term growth momentum.