Right after the May Day holiday, those in foreign trade began to feel uneasy. On May 7, the offshore renminbi (RMB) exchange rate against the US dollar broke through 6.8, marking a key turning point in this round of appreciation.

In 2025, trade between China and Southeast Asia continued to grow against the global trend, solidifying ASEAN as the primary destination for Chinese enterprises expanding overseas. Data shows that Vietnam led the way with nearly US$200 billion in imports, followed closely by Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Integrated circuits, smartphones, lithium-ion batteries, and photovoltaic products emerged as the main export drivers, while green energy and the digital economy are becoming new engines of growth.

In May 2026, Central Asian countries, led by visits from the Uzbek Prime Minister and Tajik President to China, demonstrated a clear "shift toward the East." Driven by trade growth (China-Central Asia trade exceeded $100 billion in 2025), progress on major connectivity projects such as the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, and deepening cooperation in energy, digital economy, and green development, China and Central Asia are building a strategic, institutionalized regional partnership. This eastward focus reflects mutual trust, economic pragmatism, and shared vision for a closer community with a common future.

China's consumer inflation extended its moderate recovery in April, supported by robust spring travel demand and rising energy prices, in a sign that domestic demand continues to improve and the broader economic recovery remains on track.

Amid frequent geopolitical disruptions and mounting pressure on the stability of energy supplies in many countries, nations are placing greater emphasis on energy autonomy and security, and are continuously increasing their procurement of energy storage equipment and investments in energy storage projects. In the first quarter of 2026, China's energy storage industry bucked the traditional off-season trend and experienced explosive growth in exports. The export value of lithium-ion batteries — one of the most critical components of energy storage equipment — surged more than 50% year-on-year.

At a fruit logistics center in Pingxiang near the Friendship Pass, a key gateway for ASEAN produce in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the recent May Day holiday saw tourists and wholesalers crowding around neatly stacked durians, lured by the promise of fresher taste and hard-to-beat prices.

RMB Exchange Rate Surges Again! Offshore RMB Breaks Above 6.8 Against the US Dollar, Hitting a 3-Year High

U.S. import compliance is being further tightened. As regulatory scrutiny intensifies, a new electronic filing rule covering hundreds of product categories is set to take effect. Shippers and freight forwarders on the U.S. trade lane who are inadequately prepared may face increased inspection rates and customs clearance delays.

The situation in the Middle East remains highly volatile, and a number of shipping lines have recently announced the suspension of their services. This is neither the first time they have scaled back operations, nor is it likely to be the last. With the Bab el-Mandeb Strait constantly at risk of closure and the Strait of Hormuz experiencing repeated disruptions, the two key shipping arteries — the Red Sea and the Middle East routes — are being gradually squeezed.May 10 will mark a turning point. Hapag-Lloyd has announced that its JD2 and JD3 services will be temporarily suspended effective that date, with no resumption date announced.

In 2025, against a backdrop of a complex and severe global trade situation, China's foreign trade maintained a steady growth trajectory, demonstrating strong resilience and vitality.
Total trade value reached 6,358.79billion(approx.6,358.79billion(approx.6.36 trillion), with a year-on-year growth rate of +3.1%.