China's foreign trade expands 17.3% in first seven months; innovation becomes new growth driver

China's foreign trade grew 17.3% in the first seven months of 2026, driven by innovation and the export of green and high-tech products like electric vehicles and lithium batteries. Imports outpaced exports, reflecting China's strategy to expand autonomous opening-up and broaden import sources, with strong trade ties growing especially with ASEAN and Belt and Road countries.

This Wire brief sits within Fusion42's coverage of Clean Energy.