In the first five months of 2026, Guangdong's total imports and exports reached 4.44 trillion yuan, up 18.8% year on year. Exports rose 10.8% to 2.61 trillion yuan, while imports surged 32.4% to1.83 trillion yuan.
Monthly data showed that foreign trade growth remained in double digits for five consecutive months. In May alone, Guangdong's imports and exports reached a record monthly high of 948.19 billion yuan, up 20.3% year on year.
In the first five months, Guangdong's trade with its top five trading partners remained robust. Trade with ASEAN, the European Union, the United States, Hong Kong SAR, and Taiwan all recorded growth, rising by 11.5%, 40.9%, 7.7%, 4.1%, and 2.4%, respectively. Trade with Japan and South Korea grew by more than 30%, increasing by 37.1% and 34.6%, respectively.
As 2026 marks the APEC "China Year", Guangdong's trade with other APEC economies grew by 18.6% in the first five months, accounting for 65.2% of the province's total foreign trade.
Since May, China has implemented a zero-tariff policy for all African countries with which it has diplomatic relations. In the first five months, Guangdong's trade with Africa expanded by 23.5%, while imports rose by 23.6%. In May alone, trade growth accelerated to 30.6%, while imports surged by 110%.
Customs officers inspect the first shipment of fresh Kenya avocados imported into China under the zero-tariff policy, which took effect for 53 African countries on May 1. (Photo: Guangdong Sub-administration of GACC)
Export data show that green and emerging industries are driving growth. In the first five months, Guangdong's exports of mechanical and electrical products reached 1.84 trillion yuan, up 15.1% and accounting for 70.5% of the province's total exports.
Exports of green products continued to expand, with lithium batteries and electric vehicles rising by 50.3% and 17%, respectively. Meanwhile, exports of emerging products such as 3D printers, digital cameras and drones grew even faster, surging by 120%, 70.7%, and 27.7%, respectively. Exports of home appliances, computers and components, mobile phones, electrical equipment and electronic components also increased by 4.3%, 10.9%, 16.4%, 28.4%, and 34.8%, respectively.
By business type, private enterprises continued to lead growth. Their imports and exports totaled 2.97 trillion yuan in the first five months, up 24.1%, accounting for 66.9% of the province's total foreign trade and contributing 82.2% to overall trade growth. Foreign-invested enterprises, meanwhile, recorded 1.32 trillion yuan in imports and exports, up 13.3%.
Reporter | Dai Bosi
