China's General Administration of Customs on Thursday outlined newly introduced measures supporting development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, highlighting the region's growing role in the country's foreign trade.

Speaking at a press conference in Guangzhou, customs officials said total imports and exports in the mainland's nine Greater Bay Area cities exceeded 9 trillion yuan in 2025.

Trade in the first four months of 2026 reached a record 3.4 trillion yuan, up 18.4% year on year despite a high comparison base, according to the customs authority.

Officials said the region contributed roughly a quarter of China's total foreign trade growth during the period, underscoring the Greater Bay Area's resilience and economic vitality.

The Greater Bay Area, which includes Hong Kong, Macau and major Guangdong cities such as Shenzhen and Guangzhou, is one of China's most economically dynamic regions and a major hub for manufacturing, technology and cross-border trade.