An aerial drone photo taken on May 9, 2026 shows a China-Europe freight train bound for Hamburg, Germany departing from Putian Railway Station in Zhengzhou, Central China's Henan province. [Photo/Xinhua]
Despite uncertainty over global demand stemming from ongoing geopolitical conflicts, China's exports are expected to remain a key driver of economic growth in 2026, supported by resilient overseas demand for the country's high-tech and green products, economists and exporters said.
They said the establishment of a China-US trade council and both sides' adoption of a "constructive strategic stability" approach toward bilateral ties could help prevent a repeat of the major trade disruptions seen last year, providing a more predictable environment for businesses while supporting export growth.
Sheana Yue, senior economist at British think tank Oxford Economics, said China's competitive advantages are also helping offset external headwinds.
While tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz are expected to dampen global demand, China is poised to gain market share in affected supply chains and benefit from robust demand for products in which the country has a competitive advantage, including electric vehicles, solar panels and lithium batteries, Yue said.
