Trade reaches record levels despite global slowdown
Trade between :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} and the Central Asian region climbed to a record high in 2025, surpassing $100 billion despite ongoing challenges to global economic growth, the Chinese government said on Monday.
According to data from China’s General Administration of Customs, total trade with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan reached $106.3 billion last year, marking a 12 percent increase compared with 2024.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said the trade structure between China and Central Asia had improved, with a growing share of higher value products entering the Chinese market.
Exports and imports show balanced growth
Chinese exports to Central Asia totaled $71.2 billion in 2025, up 11 percent year on year. These exports were led by machinery, electronics and high tech goods.
Imports from the region reached $35.1 billion, a 14 percent increase from the previous year, driven by energy resources and raw materials.
China continues to import oil and natural gas from Central Asia, alongside a widening range of other products linked to agriculture and industrial supply chains.
Strategic projects deepen regional ties
China is involved in major infrastructure and industrial projects across Central Asia, including mineral extraction for clean technology, equipment manufacturing and agricultural modernization.
Officials also pointed to progress under China’s Belt and Road initiatives, which aim to strengthen trade corridors passing through Central Asia and connecting China with Europe.
Guo Jiakun attributed part of the trade expansion to the China Central Asia summit held last year in Astana, attended by Chinese President :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} and the leaders of the five Central Asian countries.
Shifting balance in Central Asian trade
Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia was long the dominant trading partner for Central Asia. China has since overtaken that position and is now the region’s leading trade partner.
The United States is also seeking to expand economic ties with resource rich Central Asia, as countries in the region continue to diversify their international partnerships.
