Role of Chinese Ports in Facilitating Global Trade

China has achieved steady progress in trade facilitation and international customs cooperation during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025).

Progress in Trade Facilitation

Trade facilitation is crucial in promoting high-standard openness, improving the business environment, and protecting the multilateral trading system. The General Administration of Customs (GAC) has led annual initiatives to improve cross-border trade efficiency, introducing 108 reform measures aimed at creating a more convenient, safe, and predictable business environment.

Significant Digital Achievements

Data shows that China has added or expanded 40 entry ports since the beginning of the 14th Five-Year Plan period, raising the total number to 311 nationwide. Approval has also been recently granted for importing 271 types of agricultural and food products from 81 countries and regions.

Global Trade Partnerships

These efforts supported steady growth in foreign trade. In 2024, China's total goods trade reached 43.8 trillion yuan ($6.16 trillion USD), maintaining its position as the world's largest trading nation for the eighth consecutive year.

China ranks among the top three trading partners for 157 countries and regions worldwide. In 2024, China's trade with Belt and Road Initiative participating countries reached 22 trillion yuan, constituting more than 50% of total imports and exports.

Expanding Customs Cooperation

Facing a complex international economic and trade situation, China has opened its door wider to the world and taken multiple measures to promote international customs cooperation.

China has recently built 85 customs cooperation mechanisms with Belt and Road Initiative participating countries since the beginning of the 14th Five-Year Plan period, raising the total number to 138.

Customs inspection and quarantine platforms have been established with African countries and Central and Eastern European countries, helping facilitate the entry of high-quality products like African citrus fruits, coffee beans, and wild aquatic products, as well as honey, wine, and cosmetic products from Central and Eastern European countries into the Chinese market.

Strengthening Intellectual Property Rights Protection

Chinese customs authorities have intensified their efforts to protect intellectual property rights and maintained a high-pressure stance against IPR infringement during the 14th Five-Year Plan period.

Customs authorities have adopted a series of targeted operations to suppress IPR infringement, resulting in the seizure of nearly 400 million pieces of suspected infringing goods during the period.