China's trade with fellow SCO states nearly hit the $250 billion mark in H1 2025, according to data released by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce. This milestone reflects deepening ties across machinery, energy and emerging digital and green sectors.
Exports to SCO partners are driven by machinery and electrical products, automobiles and parts, garments, and chemicals. On the flip side, China imported oil and gas, agricultural goods, coal and ores, meeting rising energy and resource needs in the region.
Trade momentum has been rising for years. From crossing $300 billion to $500 billion milestones over the past five years, cooperation peaked at a record $512.4 billion in 2024, a 2.7% increase from the previous year.
Investment is also on the rise. By June 2025, China's stock of direct investment in SCO countries surpassed $40 billion, spanning traditional energy and infrastructure projects alongside fast-growing sectors:
- Digital economy initiatives in 5G, internet infrastructure and smart cities.
- Green development projects focused on renewable energy and sustainability.
These collaborations are helping local industries modernize and accelerate transformation, reinforcing the SCO's role as a hub for economic and technical cooperation on a global scale.
As SCO members explore deeper partnerships in digital and green technologies, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether this upward trend can hold pace and what it means for the future of regional trade and innovation.
Reference(s):
China's trade with other SCO states nears $250 bln in H1 2025
cgtn.com
