Xizang's trade surges on stronger global ties

Xizang autonomous region has seen its import and export value of goods reach an estimated 8.47 billion yuan ($1.21 billion) in 2025, according to Lhasa Customs.

In 2025, 226 enterprises in Xizang achieved trade growth, a year-on-year increase of 12.4 percent. Private enterprises remained the driving force, contributing 85.7 percent of the total trade value, or 7.26 billion yuan. Foreign-invested enterprises saw a 65-fold surge in their trade value to 613 million yuan.

Tenzin, a Lhasa Customs official, said Xizang is transforming from relying only on traditional border trade to leveraging diversified supportive strategies such as processing trade and cross-border e-commerce.

"General trade, including digital trade channels, reached 4.47 billion yuan, serving as a primary engine of economic growth, border small-scale trade maintained stability with imports and exports totaling 2.82 billion yuan," said Tenzin.

Capitalizing on its strategic geographic advantage as a gateway to South Asia, Xizang has deepened cooperation with its neighbors while enhancing connectivity via comprehensive logistics infrastructures. The "South Asia Freight Train" and expanded rail-road combined transport systems have elevated trade efficiency, he said.

Notably, domestic new energy vehicles were shipped to Nepal within just 10 days, underscoring Xizang's role in promoting environmentally friendly trade routes.

In 2025, Tibetan ports exported 12,938 NEVs, achieving a 6.8 percent year-on-year growth, Tenzin said. Additionally, the opening of an international cargo terminal at an aviation port significantly boosted air freight capacities.

Goods worth 440 million yuan were transported via airfreight in 2025, offering efficient solutions for high-value and time-sensitive cargo.

Xizang has also made strides under the Belt and Road Initiative by building partnerships with a wider range of global trade partners.

In 2025, Xizang conducted trade with 155 countries and regions. The largest trading partners were Nepal, Australia and Germany.

"Xizang's trade with Nepal constituted 23.2 percent of the total value of China-Nepal trade, cementing their strong economic ties," said Tenzin. Furthermore, trade with BRI partner markets reached some 5.76 billion yuan, while exchanges with South Asian nations amounted to 4.03 billion yuan, he added.

Xizang's distinct local products are gaining international acclaim as they find new markets abroad. For instance, wine from a vineyard in Lhokha's Sangri county entered the Hong Kong market in 2025.

"We are proud that our vineyard, located at 3,600 meters above sea level, benefits from its unique environment, with strong ultraviolet light ensuring minimal pest problems and allowing organic cultivation," said Jing Anjie, a manager at local brewer Phagdru Rongshun (Pure Land) Manor Co Ltd.

"Support from local customs authorities streamlined the export process with online declarations and paperless procedures, paving the way for our success."

Efforts to promote Xizang on the global stage yielded encouraging results in 2025. Tsering Dorje, an official at the Lhasa Bureau of Commerce, revealed that the region had actively implemented strategies to both "go global" and "bring in" international cooperation last year.

"Xizang enterprises debuted at expos and trade shows in Singapore, Nepal and Hong Kong, where cooperative procurement agreements worth millions were secured," he said.

Xizang's second Lhasa Import Expo also achieved total sales of 136 million yuan, showcasing its growing attractiveness to international traders, he said.

"Tibetan cultural products and plateau specialties gained global recognition through events like the Canton Fair, solidifying Xizang's reputation as a hub for both traditional heritage and innovation."