China-Central Asia Trade Reaches Record US$106.3 Billion in 2025, Marking New Milestone

Historic Trade Milestone Achieved

In a significant development for regional economic ties, the trade volume between China and the five Central Asian countries—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—reached an unprecedented US$106.3 billion in 2025. This marks the first time bilateral trade has exceeded the US$100 billion threshold, representing a substantial 12 percent year-on-year increase and continuing a trend of positive growth for five consecutive years.

The milestone underscores China's deepening economic engagement with the resource-rich region, positioning it as the largest trading partner for Central Asian nations. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun highlighted that this achievement demonstrates the 'robust momentum of China-Central Asia cooperation' and has become a 'new milestone' despite a sluggish global economic environment.

Drivers of Growth and Evolving Trade Structure

The surge in trade is largely attributed to the strategic guidance of state leadership diplomacy and the continuous advancement of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Key events such as the China-Central Asia Summit, held in locations including Astana, Kazakhstan, and Xi'an, China, have played a crucial role in fostering closer economic and trade cooperation.

The structure of trade has also seen significant improvements. China's exports to Central Asia reached US$71.2 billion, an 11 percent increase, driven by strong demand for:

• Machinery and electrical products
• High-tech goods
• 'New three categories' including electric vehicles, batteries, and solar cells

Conversely, imports from Central Asia to China totaled US$35.1 billion, a 14 percent rise, with a broader range of products beyond traditional energy resources. These include chemicals, steel products, and agricultural produce, alongside continued imports of oil and natural gas.

Broadening Cooperation and Future Outlook

Beyond direct trade, cooperation between China and Central Asian countries is expanding into various sectors. This includes enhanced collaboration in:

• Cross-border e-commerce and payments
• Logistics infrastructure, including warehousing
• Connectivity and equipment manufacturing
• Green mining and modern agriculture

The Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) has indicated plans to further optimize the trade structure, foster new business models, and promote higher-level institutional arrangements. This sustained engagement highlights a strategic shift in the region's economic landscape, with China now playing a pivotal role in Central Asia's development and trade relations.