China’s Green-Tech Exports Defy Broader Trade Slump
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Exports of China’s so-called “new three” high-tech green products surged in October, defying a broader decline in the nation’s foreign trade weighed down by slumping shipments of traditional consumer goods.
Exports of lithium-ion batteries, solar cells, and new-energy vehicles (NEVs) rose 32.4% from a year earlier to $16.7 billion, according to data released Tuesday by the General Administration of Customs. That came in stark contrast to a 1.1% drop in total exports measured in dollar terms.
The divergence highlights a structural shift in China’s export landscape, as green-tech and advanced manufacturing increasingly power growth amid fading global demand for consumer staples and continued trade tensions.
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- Exports of China's "new three" products (lithium-ion batteries, solar cells, NEVs) surged 32.4% in October 2025 to $16.7 billion, despite a 1.1% decline in total exports.
- NEV exports rose 54.3% to $7.08 billion, with PHEVs up 171.2% to $2.3 billion and BEVs up 19.7% to $3.59 billion.
- Traditional exports (luggage, apparel, etc.) fell sharply, and overall exports to the U.S., Japan, and South Korea also declined.
- Lianchu Securities
- Lianchu Securities is a research firm that noted weakening momentum across most export markets for China. They reported declines in shipments to Japan, South Korea, and the U.S. Lianchu Securities anticipates continued pressure on China's exports but suggests easing U.S.-China trade tensions and growing shipments to other markets could provide some stabilization.
- 2024：
- Home appliances had been a bright spot in exports.
- Late 2024：
- High base for comparison anticipated to impact export figures going forward.
- By October 2025：
- Exports to Japan declined 5.7% for the first time in 2025; exports to South Korea dropped 13%; exports to the U.S. fell 25.2%.
- First ten months of 2025：
- Solar cell export value was 12.6% lower than the same period a year ago, despite a 69.7% surge in volume.
- October 2025：
- Exports of China’s 'new three' high-tech green products (lithium-ion batteries, solar cells, and NEVs) rose 32.4% year-on-year to $16.7 billion.
- October 2025：
- Exports of lithium-ion batteries climbed 24.6% to $6.97 billion.
- October 2025：
- Exports of solar cells increased in value by 4.4% to $2.26 billion.
- October 2025：
- NEV exports jumped 54.3% to $7.08 billion; PHEV exports rose 171.2% to $2.3 billion; BEV exports rose 19.7% to $3.59 billion.
- October 2025：
- Exports of traditional consumer goods, including luggage (-25.7%), apparel (-15.9%), footwear (-20.9%), furniture (-12.6%), and toys (-31%), showed steeper drops than September 2025.
- October 2025：
- Exports of home appliances contracted, down 13.6% year-on-year.
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