China is strengthening its role in the global economy as rising import demand reflects the rapid upgrading of its manufacturing sector. In the first seven months of 2026, imports of mechanical and electrical products rose by near 30 percent year-on-year, accounting for more than 40 percent of total imports.

This comes as China’s vast industrial base generates growing demand for high-end machinery, components and raw materials from overseas. In central China’s Henan Province, imported equipment from Germany and France is helping a textile producer modernise its production line, working alongside domestic machinery to improve efficiency and automation.

The trend is particularly pronounced in industrial hubs such as Shenzhen, where emerging industries including AI are creating new demand for advanced equipment and components.

In the first half of 2026, the country’s imports surpassed 10 trillion yuan (about 1.49 billion U.S. dollars) for the first time for the period, with import growth outpacing exports for five consecutive months. As manufacturing continues to move up the value chain, China is increasingly becoming not only the world’s factory, but also a major global market for high-quality goods and resources.