Innovation, industrial strength drive surge in China's AI product exports

BEIJING - China's AI-related exports surged in the first half of 2026, emerging as a new hallmark of the country's foreign trade, He Shaojun, an official with the Ministry of Commerce, said on Tuesday.

Industrial robots and 3D printer exports jumped 18.6 percent and 109.3 percent year-on-year, respectively, in the January-June period, he said, citing customs data. He attributed the robust growth to a variety of factors, including solid industrial strength and sustained innovation.

He added that the country's complete industrial chain, massive domestic market, continuous innovation, and open international cooperation have collectively driven the export surge. These advantages, he said, have enabled rapid supply chain responsiveness, cost efficiency, technological upgrading, and broader global market reach.

The ministry will continue to advance high-quality foreign trade development, further support relevant industries and enterprises in their deep integration into global industrial and supply chains, and inject greater vitality into the global digital, intelligent, and green transition, he added.

The ministry on Tuesday released a document titled "China's Position on the So-called Excess Capacity Issue," saying that the rapid development of China's modern industries is driven by innovation and that the stable and healthy operation of Chinese industries relies on the continuous deepening of reforms.