China's Foreign Trade Value Grows 2.5% in First Five Months of 2025 with 73,000+ Foreign Firms Amid Manufacturing Shift

China's foreign trade demonstrated resilience in the first five months of 2025, with total trade value increasing by 2.5% year on year despite challenges such as rising unilateralism and global headwinds. This growth is anchored by Chinese exporters' accelerated shift toward higher-value manufacturing and a sustained focus on innovation. Government officials, manufacturers, and experts attribute the positive trade performance to efforts to optimize trade structure and stabilize economic growth. Additionally, China's commitment to advanced manufacturing is expected to enhance its competitive edge and support sustainable economic development. The country has also seen record engagement from foreign businesses, with over 73,000 foreign firms trading in China, marking a five-year high.