Services: new frontier for China's global trade
Summary
Chinese companies are increasingly exporting software, engineering, logistics and other professional services alongside goods, with services trade emerging as a new growth frontier for China. The shift could open opportunities for developing economies, but only if local participation and clearer global rules keep pace with AI and digital trade.
Key Points
- Chinese firms are moving from exporting manufactured goods to exporting capabilities such as software, engineering, logistics, finance and compliance services.
- China's services exports rose 17.1% in the first seven months of 2026, with knowledge-intensive services making up more than half of the total.
- Officials and trade experts say developing countries could benefit if Chinese services investment brings local partnerships, technology spillovers and transparent regulation.
- AI and digital trade rules are becoming a major challenge as fragmented national regulations risk creating new barriers to cross-border services.
