Economic Observation Network According to the CCTV News App, this morning, the State Council Information Office held a press conference, and the relevant person in charge of the General Administration of Customs introduced the import and export situation of goods in China in the first quarter.

The relevant person in charge introduced that China has taken the initiative to open up its super large market, actively expand imports, strengthen industrial cooperation and win-win situations, and enable countries to better share the "China opportunities". This year's Government Work Report clearly stated the need to actively expand imports and promote balanced trade development. According to customs statistics,In the first quarter, China's imports increased by nearly 20%, with a growth rate 7.7 percentage points higher than exports, and the import scale set a new historical high for the same period?

• From the perspective of the sourceIn the first quarter, China's imports from over 150 countries and regions increased, with 51 countries and regions importing over 10 billion yuan, an increase of 3 compared to the same period last year. Major sources such as ASEAN and the European Union account for 14.8% and 9.1% of the total import value, respectively. The growth rate of imports from Central Asia and Latin America is higher than the overall growth rate, while imports from Africa increased by 14.6%.
• From the perspective of the productIndustrial production continues to accelerate, driving the growth of raw material imports. In the first quarter, the total import volume of energy products, metal ores, etc. increased by 9.4%, while the import value of textile raw materials, computer parts, electronic components, etc. increased by 39.3%, 45.3%, and 37.9% respectively. The effect of promoting consumption policies continues to be evident, with a significant driving force from the extended Spring Festival holiday and a rebound in the import of consumer goods. In the first quarter, the import of consumer goods increased by 5.4%, enriching the market supply. The import of consumer goods such as clothing, shoes and hats, food, tobacco and alcohol, cosmetics, etc. increased by 8.7%, 8%, and 4.9% respectively.

China is not only willing to be the 'world factory', but also willing to be the 'world market'. We will continue to expand our independent opening up, and from December 1, 2024, we will grant 100% tariff free treatment to products from the least developed countries that have established diplomatic relations with China. Starting from May 1st this year, zero tariff measures will be fully implemented for 53 African countries that have established diplomatic relations, allowing their high-quality products to share the Chinese market. Customs will continue to provide better customs clearance supervision and services for expanding imports, helping the Chinese market become a great opportunity for the world.