BUSINESS

China’s Machinery, Electronics Exports Hit Record in First Quarter

Published: Apr. 15, 2026 10:10 p.m. GMT+8

00:00

00:00/00:00

Listen to this article 1x

A roll-on/roll-off ship loads cars for export at a berth of the Dongfang Port Branch of Lianyungang Port in Jiangsu province on April 11, 2026. Photo: VCG

China’s exports of machinery and electronic products jumped 21.4% from a year earlier to a record $620 billion in the first quarter of 2026, driven by strong overseas demand for integrated circuits and vehicles.

The stronger-than-expected performance underscores the resilience of the country’s manufacturing supply chains amid an increasingly complex global trade environment. Growth was supported by companies rushing to ship goods ahead of April adjustments to export tax rebates, as well as local government efforts to boost foreign trade.

You've accessed an article available only to subscribers

Subscribe today for just $.99.

VIEW OPTIONS

Unlock exclusive discounts with a Caixin group subscription — ideal for teams and organizations.

Subscribe to both Caixin Global and The Wall Street Journal — for the price of one.

Share this article

Open WeChat and scan the QR code

DIGEST HUB

Digest Hub

Back

Explore the story in 30 seconds

China's machinery/electronic exports rose 21.4% to $620B in Q1 2026; total trade hit $901B, up 22.4%.
Integrated circuits surged 77.5% to $72.5B; vehicles +58.5% to $40.8B; data-processing equipment +26.7% to $60.4B.
Mobile phones fell 4.7% to $26.6B; full-year growth forecast at least 5%.

AI generated, for reference only

Who’s Who

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., a foreign company, manufactures chips in China, mainly in Shaanxi and Jiangsu provinces via processing trade. These chips are key drivers of China's integrated circuit exports, which surged 77.5% to $72.5 billion in Q1 2026.

SK Hynix Inc.: SK Hynix Inc. produces chips in China, mainly in Shaanxi and Jiangsu provinces via processing trade, serving as a major driver of integrated circuit exports, which surged 77.5% to $72.5 billion in Q1 2026.

Apple Inc.: Apple Inc. accounts for about 60% of China's mobile-phone exports. Its shift of production to India to reduce supply-chain risks and mitigate U.S. tariff impacts contributed to a 4.7% decline in mobile-phone exports to $26.6 billion in Q1 2026.

AI generated, for reference only