By Yang Yulai, SFC, 21st Century Business Herald

On January 19, the press conference on Guangdong’s 2025 foreign trade was held. The latest data showed that in 2025, Guangdong’s total imports and exports reached 9.49 trillion yuan, representing a year-on-year increase of 4.4% and marking the third consecutive year of growth. Quarter by quarter, Guangdong’s foreign trade expanded steadily, with each quarter setting a new historical high for the same period. 

At a time when global trade conditions are becoming more complex and external uncertainties are increasing, Guangdong’s ability to remain stable while continuing to grow can be attributed to three key factors. 

First, Guangdong has built a more diversified and balanced market layout. In 2025, Guangdong’s trade with ASEAN and the European Union both exceeded 1 trillion yuan, reaching 1.53 trillion yuan and 1.13 trillion yuan, respectively.

Second, the export structure is moving toward higher quality and greater technological content. In 2025, Guangdong’s exports of mechanical and electrical products totaled 4.15 trillion yuan. The smart products—such as drones, 3D-printing equipment, and industrial robots—are no longer niche highlights, but are becoming “core drivers” of Guangdong’s export growth.

Third, trade models and customs clearance efficiency have continued to improve. The scale advantages of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area port cluster are increasingly evident, with shipping routes expanded to 73. While average cargo dwell time at ports has been reduced to less than two days, significantly enhancing logistics efficiency.

Taken together, “stabilizing volume while upgrading quality” captures Guangdong’s foreign trade performance in 2025.