China-U.S. trade rises to 475 billion U.S. dollars in first nine months

China's trade with the United States rose 4.1 percent year on year in the first three quarters of 2026 to 3.18 trillion yuan, or about 475.14 billion U.S. dollars, according to Chinese customs data.

The growth is also visible in the eastern Chinese port city of Ningbo, where a shipment of frozen chicken feet and beef from the United States recently arrived.

Qingdao Xinhemei Import and Export said its imports from the United States have been steadily recovering since the second quarter. Import volume in the first nine months increased 120 percent from the same period last year, and the company plans to expand purchases of chicken, beef and pork products.

A local lawn mower manufacturer has also reported growing trade with the United States, its largest export market and main source of imported components. The company's export orders have increased by more than 20 percent this year.

Ningbo Customs said trade between the port and the United States reached 273.78 billion yuan in the first eight months, up 7 percent year on year.

Major imports include agricultural products, food, and mechanical and electrical goods. Key exports include mechanical and electrical products, plastics, clothing and textiles. Exports of apparel and clothing accessories increased 32.4 percent, while textile yarns and fabrics rose 25.6 percent.

According to CCTV+, the increase in bilateral trade reflects expanding flows in both directions, including food, industrial goods, equipment and components.