Picture a container ship loaded with the latest gadgets slicing through rough seas of trade disputes — that’s the reality facing global businesses today. In March, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) reported a global trade friction index of 126, marking a 26.1% jump from last year and a 152.3% spike from February.
The United States and India topped the list, with the U.S. rolling out the most new tariffs, export controls, and sanctions for the ninth month in a row. Yet, amid these headwinds, China’s foreign trade engine kept humming.
Data from April 2025 tells the story: trade promotion agencies across China issued 711,500 certificates — a mix of certificates of origin, ATA carnets, and commercial documents — a 21.45% increase year-on-year. This surge helped push import and export volumes to their second-highest level on record, outperforming many forecasts.
For young entrepreneurs and tech innovators, these numbers are more than stats — they’re a green light. Smoother customs paperwork means faster product launches and tighter supply chains. For digital nomads and travelers, it could translate into smoother visa processes for business trips and more reliable availability of global goods.
But can this momentum keep going? With trade tensions unlikely to ease soon, China’s ability to streamline processes and foster international cooperation will be key. One thing is clear: in a world where every percentage point counts, adaptability isn’t just an option — it’s the competitive edge.
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Reference(s):
CCPIT: China's foreign trade holds firm despite global headwinds
cgtn.com
