Chinese manufacturers are strengthening their position in emerging markets as competitive pricing, improving technology and faster delivery cycles help them secure overseas orders, highlighting the resilience of China’s export sector at the start of 2026.
Factories across eastern China resumed production quickly after the Chinese New Year holiday to meet growing demand from markets across the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Africa and Latin America.
At Zhejiang Sharbo Electric Appliance Co in Ningbo, production lines restarted immediately after the holiday to fulfill an order for 15,000 air conditioners from a client in the United Arab Emirates. The company plans to ship the first batch by mid-March, with the entire order scheduled for completion by April.
The rapid turnaround reflects how Chinese manufacturers are combining cost advantages with improved supply chain efficiency to win orders in increasingly competitive global markets.
Key Takeaways
Emerging markets driving export growth
Demand from the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Africa and Latin America is becoming a major engine of China’s export expansion.
Technology upgrades boosting competitiveness
High-tech manufacturing, energy equipment and smart industrial products are strengthening China’s export structure.
Supply chain efficiency remains a key advantage
Shorter delivery cycles and strong manufacturing ecosystems continue to give Chinese exporters a competitive edge.
Export Orders Reflect Strong Demand
Companies across multiple sectors report strong overseas demand.
Energy storage equipment manufacturer Ningbo Deye ESS Technology Co said demand from Europe linked to the global energy transition has pushed its factories to operate at full capacity.
Even during the holiday period, automated workshops continued to operate with minimal staffing, allowing the company to maintain high production efficiency once full operations resumed.
Structural Upgrade in China’s Exports
China’s export structure is increasingly shifting toward higher value-added products.
According to data from the General Administration of Customs of China, the country’s foreign trade reached 45.47 trillion yuan ($6.3 trillion) in 2025, up 3.8 percent year-on-year.
Exports of high-tech products rose 13.2 percent to 5.25 trillion yuan, reflecting stronger global demand for advanced manufacturing goods.
Meanwhile, exports of the so-called “new trio” — electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries and photovoltaic products — grew 27.1 percent year-on-year.
Wind turbine exports also surged 48.7 percent, highlighting rising global demand for renewable energy equipment.
Expanding Trade Networks
China’s trade network continued to expand rapidly.
The country conducted trade with more than 240 countries and regions in 2025, with trade growth recorded in over 190 markets.
Trade with economies participating in the Belt and Road Initiative has become a key driver of export growth, accounting for over half of China’s total foreign trade.
Technology Extending China’s Global Reach
Beyond traditional manufacturing, technology-based exports are gaining momentum.
Agricultural drones developed by DJI are now used in more than 100 countries and regions, supporting farming operations ranging from vineyards in Australia to fruit orchards in Brazil.
The adoption of such technologies is expanding the global footprint of Chinese industrial innovation.
Outlook
Economists expect China’s foreign trade to remain a stabilizing force for economic growth in 2026.
As companies deepen engagement with emerging markets and global demand for technology-intensive products continues to rise, China’s exporters are likely to benefit from both expanding trade networks and stronger manufacturing capabilities.