China's top trade promotion body says global trade frictions remained elevated throughout 2025, pointing to rising tensions in the global economy. 

The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, or CCPIT, has released its latest trade friction index covering 2025 and January 2026. 

All monthly readings of the index stayed at high levels during 2025. 

Trade frictions involving the United States intensified, with its average index rising 16 points year-on-year. 

Since April 2025, reciprocal tariff measures introduced by the US have significantly fueled global trade tensions, weighing on global economic stability. 

However, in January 2026, the total value of trade friction measures fell slightly, down 7-point-3 percent year-on-year and 4 percent month-on-month. 

CCPIT data shows China's foreign trade has made a solid start to this year, maintaining steady and improving momentum. 

WANG GUANNAN Spokesperson, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade "In February 2026, the CCPIT issued a total of 744,500 certificates, including certificates of origin, ATA carnets, and other commercial documents, representing a year-on-year increase of 72.38 percent. This robust growth signals a strong start for China's foreign trade in 2026. The sharp rise in certification figures reflects not only the continued impact of pro-trade policies, but also the progress of market diversification and the strong momentum of new business models."

Resource: CGTN