New data released by customs authorities on July 15th indicates that Guangxi's total import and export value reached 424.23 billion yuan in the first six months of 2026, representing a year-on-year increase of 9.4%. The overall performance demonstrates a pattern of steady progress.
Import Growth Outpaces Exports
Imports were a particularly strong driver, with the import value surging to 191.52 billion yuan, marking a substantial 25% growth rate. This robust import activity contributed significantly to the overall positive trade figures.
ASEAN Remains Top Trading Partner
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) maintained its position as Guangxi's largest trading partner. Trade with ASEAN nations totaled 212.41 billion yuan during the period, growing by 3.1%. Notable growth was recorded with key partners including Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Cambodia.
Emerging Markets See Rapid Expansion
Concurrently, trade ties with Latin America and Africa experienced rapid warming. The import and export value with Latin America reached 74.91 billion yuan, soaring by 35.5%, while trade with Africa amounted to 28.4 billion yuan, increasing by 17%.
Economic Backdrop and Import Drivers
Analysis suggests that Guangxi's stable economic performance in 2026 provided solid support for foreign trade growth. From January to May, the value added of industries above a designated size in the region grew by 5% year-on-year. On the import side, industries such as non-ferrous metals, steel, and grain and oil processing drove a significant increase in the import of production raw materials.
In the first half, imports of bulk commodities reached 114.33 billion yuan, up 25.9%. Within this category, imports of copper ore and aluminum ore both saw growth rates exceeding 40%. Imports of copper products and intermediate nickel smelting products increased by 1.7 times and 35.3%, respectively.
Logistics and Supply Chain Integration
Guangxi continues to leverage its logistical corridor advantages and open platforms, such as the Pingxiang Comprehensive Bonded Zone, to deepen integration into the China-Vietnam industrial and supply chains. In the first half of the year, the import and export value through the Youyi Guan (Friendship Pass) port under the bonded logistics model reached 99.33 billion yuan, a 21% increase.
Intermediate goods accounted for approximately 80% of the commodities traded under this model. Notably, intermediate goods in the electronic and electrical category performed exceptionally well, with import and export growth rates for items like flat-panel display modules, printed circuits, lithium batteries, and computer parts and accessories all surpassing 40%.
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