Shanghai's foreign trade demonstrated strong resilience and vitality despite a complex external environment, with total imports and exports reaching 2.15 trillion yuan ($300.17 billion) in the first half of 2025, a 2.4 percent year-on-year increase.

Out of the total, exports amounted to 952.7 billion yuan, up 11.1 percent, while imports declined by 3.6 percent to 1.2 trillion yuan.

The upward trend is clear: imports and exports have grown for five consecutive months, with June alone recording a 5.4 percent increase to 367.84 billion yuan. Both exports and imports rose in June, climbing 9.3 percent and 2.4 percent respectively, signaling a positive outlook for Shanghai's foreign trade.

During the first half of the year, the number of trade partners with a trade value exceeding 5 billion yuan increased to 50 from 46 last year. Trade with 167 countries and regions expanded, reflecting a strengthening and expanding trade network.

The increase in import and export value exceeded 50 billion yuan, nearly matching last year's total growth, which propelled Shanghai's foreign trade volume to surpass 2 trillion yuan, hitting a record high for the same period.

Shanghai's deep integration into global supply chains is evident, as nearly 5,000 out of over 7,700 categories of goods with import and export records showed growth. These categories spanned from electronic components to essential equipment, covering the entire industrial chain.

Furthermore, the city's foreign trade operators remained stable, with over 50,000 enterprises engaging in import and export activities.

Shanghai Customs attributed the strong performance to 33 cross-border trade facilitation measures implemented in May. These measures have led to faster customs clearance, with the "1+N" inspection model cutting operation time by over 50 percent and improving clearance efficiency for perishable goods like fresh seafood.

Preferential policies such as the "application-free tax benefits" initiative have reduced taxes by 253 million yuan for high-tech enterprises.

Meanwhile, the "smart customs, strong nation" initiative has enhanced risk prevention and control, with the "Airport Epidemic Risk Intelligent Prediction Model" ensuring rapid customs clearance for an average of 110,000 passengers daily.

The integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta region also played a vital role, with the region's total imports and exports reaching 8.16 trillion yuan, accounting for 37.4 percent of the national total.

Shanghai Customs has led efforts in deepening regional cooperation, streamlining approvals for special goods, promoting logistics efficiency, and improving the business environment.

Source: Shanghai Observer