China looks to increase imports to achieve trade balance

China will expand imports of agricultural products, high-quality consumer goods, advanced technological equipment, and key components, as part of efforts to promote a more balanced development of imports and exports, the country's top commerce official said on Friday.

Speaking at a news conference on the economy on the sidelines of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress in Beijing, Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said that while stabilizing exports, China will place greater emphasis on expanding imports, combining the two to better leverage the advantages of its vast domestic market.

At the same time, the government will continue to make full use of major platforms to facilitate imports. These include the China International Import Expo — the world's only national-level exhibition dedicated to imports, Wang said.

Last year, China launched the "Big Market for All: Export to China" series of events — designed from the perspective of its trading partners — to encourage them to expand exports to China, broaden import channels, and promote the entry of more high-quality products and services into the Chinese market, he added.

Wang said that while China's exports to the United States declined 19.5 percent year-on-year in 2025, its total exports still rose 6.1 percent — in renminbi terms — on a yearly basis, highlighting the results of the country's diversified foreign trade strategy.