Beijing, December 28, 2025 (Agencies) – China’s National People’s Congress Standing Committee has passed a revised Foreign Trade Law, which will take effect on March 1, 2026, aiming to strengthen the country’s trade framework, promote cross-border financial services, and advance the international recognition of digital certificates and electronic signatures, Xinhua News Agency reported.
The revision introduces key measures to support the development of a strong trading nation, safeguard a fair international economic and trade order, and encourage international trade in services through diverse models. It also seeks to enhance trade promotion platforms and improve their functions and service capacities.
The updated law strengthens provisions for trade facilitation, including mechanisms to develop cross-border financial services, improve trade-related digital infrastructure, advance product standards, certification, and labeling systems for green trade, and support the cultivation of a skilled foreign trade talent pool. These changes are intended to enhance enterprises’ ability to manage risks in an increasingly complex global trade environment, according to experts.
China’s Foreign Trade Law, first enacted in 1994 and revised in 2004, now comprises 11 chapters following the latest amendments. Analysts note that the focus on cross-border financial services and talent development is expected to strengthen China’s competitiveness in digital technologies and green industries, while supporting sustainable trade growth.
Data from the General Administration of Customs shows that China’s total goods trade reached 41.21 trillion yuan ($5.83 trillion) in the first 11 months of 2025, up 3.6 percent year on year. November alone saw trade growth of 4.1 percent, marking 10 consecutive months of expansion.
Lü Daliang, spokesperson for the General Administration of Customs, emphasized China’s commitment to openness and cooperation, noting that the country recorded export and import growth with more than 110 countries and regions during the period.
“The revision of the Foreign Trade Law not only aims to stabilize foreign trade in the short term, but also lays a solid long-term foundation for high-quality and sustainable trade development,” said Li Yong, executive council member at the China Society for WTO Studies. He added that the law aligns with China’s broader economic strategies and efforts to become a global trading powerhouse.