BEIJING Trade between China and ASEAN recorded strong growth in the first half of 2026, highlighting the resilience of regional economic cooperation under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
According to China’s General Administration of Customs, bilateral trade reached 4.34 trillion RMB (approximately US$641 billion) between January and June, marking an 18.2% increase compared to the same period last year. ASEAN has remained China’s largest trading partner for several consecutive years.
Indonesia, Việt Nam and Thailand were among the strongest contributors to trade growth, each posting gains of more than 20%, driven by rising demand for electronics, electrical machinery and industrial components. Trade with Singapore and the Philippines also expanded steadily, supported by machinery, minerals and other key commodities.
China continues to supply ASEAN with major industrial products, including electromechanical equipment, photovoltaic products and automotive components, while ASEAN exports minerals, specialty agricultural products and electronic materials. Intermediate goods remain a significant part of two-way trade, reflecting increasingly integrated regional supply chains.
HanoiPost reports that expanding cooperation under the China–ASEAN Free Trade Area and RCEP is also boosting cross-border logistics, e-commerce and trade in new energy products. Experts believe further progress in customs modernization, digital trade, green economy initiatives and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will create new opportunities for regional economic growth.
