China's trade with Central Asia rises 6.5% to $52.94 billion in the first half of 2026

According to data from the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China, the country's trade turnover with Central Asian states rose 6.5% year on year in the first half of 2026, climbing from $49.70 billion in the first half of 2025 to $52.94 billion. The figures were reported on Thursday, 30 July 2026 (8 Mordad 1405).

The same data show notable growth in China's trade with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, the region's two largest economies, as well as with Tajikistan. Trade volumes with Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan fell over the period.

The numbers matter to Iranian market participants because Central Asia is simultaneously a transit route and a neighbouring market on Iran's northern flank, and China's expanding commercial share there shapes the competitive balance along the northern and eastern corridors.