Q&A: How Should China Navigate Growing Complexity in Global Trade

China’s foreign trade got off to an encouraging start in 2024, yet it continues to face challenges from growing uncertainties in the global market.

According to customs data, China’s trade in goods reached a historic milestone in the first quarter, surpassing 10 trillion yuan ($1.4 billion). This represented a 5% increase from a year ago and the highest growth rate in six quarters. But the momentum weakened in March with a 7.5% decrease in exports and 1.9% drop in imports in dollar terms, both below market expectations.