China’s exports of telecoms, computer, and information services hit 808 billion yuan (US$118 billion) in 2025, marking a 13% increase from the previous year [1]. The growth in this sector contrasts sharply with declines in traditional goods exports. Footwear exports dropped 9% to US$46 billion, while handbags and suitcases fell 13% to US$30 billion during the same period [1].
This shift reflects China’s evolving role from a manufacturer of primarily physical goods to a leading exporter of manufacturing technology and digital services, according to the report [1]. Guangzhou-based company iRootech exemplifies this trend. The firm exports industrial computer vision and AI technology and has served thousands of overseas customers [1].
Since securing its first foreign client in 2017, German concrete machinery maker Putzmeister, iRootech has developed a maintenance platform that remotely manages concrete equipment and predicts malfunctions using artificial intelligence [1]. The platform helped Putzmeister reduce travel costs related to after-sales services by 25% [1].
The declining exports of footwear and handbags highlight changing demands and competition in traditional manufacturing sectors. Meanwhile, rising technology-driven services bolster China’s trade portfolio and export earnings [1].
