Illustration: Liu Xidan/GT

Recently, 19.5 tons of fresh coconuts from Haikou, South China's Hainan Province, were transported via Alashankou port to Belarus, marking the first time fresh Hainan coconuts entered the Belarusian market, according to CCTV News on Monday. Although the shipment might appear to be relatively small, it offers a valuable glimpse into the steady expansion of trade between China and other economies participating in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This growth paints a contrasting picture amid the broader volatility in global trade observed in 2025.

Amid global trade uncertainty fueled by growing protectionism and escalating geopolitical tensions, China's total trade with other BRI-participating countries in the first 11 months of 2025 rose 6 percent year-on-year, according to Chinese customs data. Against the backdrop of global trade volatility, what accounts for this increase?

This macro-level growth is underpinned by a series of smaller, more incremental trade exchanges. The first export shipment of fresh Hainan coconuts to Belarus, for instance, was not an isolated event, but the result of sustained efforts and the gradual development of an entire trade ecosystem - from market demand to customs logistics.

First, from the perspective of market demand, Belarus lacks the natural conditions to grow coconuts, making it an unlikely source of this tropical fruit. The arrival of fresh Hainan coconuts thus enriches the local market, providing consumers with greater variety and access to tropical produce. This trade not only responds to the growing demand for diverse food options but also underscores the broader trend of Chinese goods meeting consumer preferences in BRI-participating economies.

Second, from the standpoint of customs facilitation, ensuring the smooth export of fresh coconuts to Belarus required meticulous planning. According to CCTV News, to streamline the process, local customs authorities set up a dedicated service team that proactively reviewed Belarus' phytosanitary regulations and worked closely with exporters to establish quality management standards. Such efforts helped minimize customs delays and ensured that the coconuts arrived in optimal condition, underscoring the effectiveness of China's customs operations in supporting international trade.

Third, from a logistics perspective, the 19.5 tons of fresh coconuts were transported through Alashankou port, one of China's busiest land gateways. Located in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Alashankou handles a large volume of freight, and according to reports, the number of China-Europe freight trains passing through the port has steadily increased as the BRI has progressed. 

This expanding logistical infrastructure among China, Central Asia, and Europe underscores the broader growth of cross-border trade networks, facilitating the smooth flow of goods and strengthening China's trade links with BRI-participating economies.

The export journey of a fresh coconut, from Hainan in China to Belarus, spans a long geographical distance and reflects years of concerted efforts to strengthen trade ties between China and other BRI-participating economies. It highlights the resilience and vitality of their trade cooperation, illustrating how these connections continue to evolve over time.

Amid rising global trade protectionism, China continues to keep its doors wide open and promotes an open world economy through the BRI. This openness is not a one-way export of goods or capital but a two-way interaction: high-quality agricultural products from countries such as Belarus, for example, also enter the Chinese market through BRI channels, creating a mutually beneficial cycle.

China has been advancing high-level opening-up by encouraging imports and turning its vast domestic market into a super-large market shared by the world. Nearly 54 percent of China's imports came from BRI-participating countries in 2024, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

The two-way trade between Haikou, China and Belarus is just one example, and there are many other such points of observation. Another concrete example is the China-Laos Railway. According to a People's Daily report in December, four years after its launch, the railway continues to amplify its role as a "golden corridor." Total freight transport has surpassed 72.5 million tons, while the range of goods carried in cross-border trade has expanded to more than 3,800 categories.

These examples help explain why trade between China and other BRI-participating countries has continued to progress, even amid the challenges faced by global trade in the past year. This growth not only strengthens the resilience of China's foreign trade but also adds momentum to broader international trade flows.

The author is a reporter with the Global Times. bizopinion@globaltimes.com.cn