Qingdao's total foreign trade hit a record 912.9 billion yuan ($131.08 billion) in 2025, a year-on-year rise of 0.6 percent, making up 25.9 percent of Shandong province's total import and export value. Exports increased by 2.7 percent to 541.87 billion yuan, while imports decreased by 2.3 percent to 371.02 billion yuan.

In terms of scale, Qingdao's annual total import-export value ranked second in northern China, following Beijing, and fifth among the country's 15 sub-provincial cities.

Despite global challenges, the city showed significant resilience. After a decline in the third quarter, trade bounced back in a "V-shaped recovery", with export growth staying positive for 33 consecutive months.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021–25), Qingdao's trade volume surpassed three 100-billion-yuan milestones, with an average annual growth rate above the national level.

A key factor was the shift toward high-value manufacturing. Exports of mechanical and electrical products rose to 282.62 billion yuan, making up over 52.2 percent of total exports — an increase of 1.5 percentage points from 2024. New energy vehicle exports soared by 210.1 percent, while bulk carriers and high-tech products also showed strong growth.

Trade diversification further boosted resilience. Qingdao engaged in business with over 240 countries and regions, with growth in 146 of them. Trade with countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative rose by 6.2 percent, making up 59.8 percent of the city's total trade. Emerging markets became new growth pillars following the notable increases of Africa, South America, and the Middle East, up 21.6 percent, 6.3 percent, and 7.7 percent, respectively.

Qingdao's total foreign trade hits a record 912.9 billion yuan in 2025, a year-on-year rise of 0.6 percent. [Photo/Guanhai News]