Wuxi Returns to Top 10, Suzhou AI Exports Top RMB 600 Billion as Korean Firms Boost Investment

In the first half of 2026, major trade hubs including Wuxi, Suzhou, Xi'an, and Zhongshan reported impressive foreign trade figures. Wuxi's total foreign trade reached RMB 499.1 billion, a year-on-year increase of 28.5%, returning the city to the national top 10 for the first time in eight years. Its export growth of 35.5% ranked first among the top 10 cities. Suzhou's imports and exports approached RMB 2 trillion, up 40.9%, with AI-related product trade exceeding RMB 600 billion, a 2.1-fold increase. Xi'an recorded integrated circuit trade of RMB 267.8 billion, while Zhongshan's foreign trade grew 13.1%, with integrated circuit exports surging 454.1% year on year.

Exports of AI-related products and computer components generally accelerated. Wuxi's AI product exports reached RMB 179.6 billion, up 75.3%, and computer component exports rose 4.6 times. Foreign investment also increased, with SK Hynix investing 581.1 billion won in its Wuxi chip plant and Samsung investing 465.4 billion won in its Xi'an facility. The simultaneous upturn in electronics, semiconductor, and AI supply chain exports underscores the global competitiveness of Chinese manufacturing in high-end sectors.