China’s Trade with Central Asia Surpasses US$100 Billion for the First Time, Annual Growth Reaches 12%

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In 2025, economic and trade cooperation between China and the Central Asian countries reached record levels, with total trade turnover amounting to US$106.3 billion, a 12% increase compared to the previous year, according to the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China.

For the first time in history, trade with the region exceeded US$100 billion, demonstrating steady growth over the past five years. China also became the largest trading partner for the Central Asian countries.

Chinese exports to the region reached US$71.2 billion, up 11% year-on-year, driven by increased shipments of electromechanical products and high-tech goods. Imports from Central Asia totaled US$35.1 billion, rising 14% compared to 2024.

Particular attention was paid to the development of cross-border e-commerce, construction of warehousing and logistics facilities, and improvement of cross-border payment systems.

Under the Belt and Road Initiative, high-quality cooperation continued, with accelerated implementation of major projects in connectivity, equipment manufacturing, clean mineral resources, and modern agriculture. These measures contributed to export growth and industrial modernization across the region.

The Ministry of Commerce of China noted that in the future it plans to continue optimizing the trade structure, develop new business models, and establish higher-level institutional mechanisms to strengthen cooperation with Central Asia.