China's H1 2026 Trade Jumps 16.9% to Record RMB25.47 Trillion on Robots, AI, Drug Exports
China's goods trade in the first half of 2026 rose 16.9% year on year to a record RMB25.47 trillion, driven by booming exports of robots, artificial intelligence and innovative drugs. Surgical robot exports surged 3.3-fold, domestic large AI models led global usage for 12 straight weeks, and overseas licensing of innovative drugs reached US$110 billion. The gains highlight a shift to innovation-driven trade, with R&D and intellectual property replacing labour and capacity as core competitive strengths.
- Effective
- +53
- Intensity
- 78
- Confidence
- 90%
- Horizon
- Short term