China Robot Exports Gain Momentum as Industrial and Surgical Shipments Surge

China's robotics industry is emerging as another export calling card for the country's advanced manufacturing sector, according to customs authorities.

In September, domestic industrial robot exports increased 64% in volume and 48.4% in value year on year. During the first half, cleaning robots and intelligent bionic robots together recorded 18.09 billion yuan in exports, with products covering 141 countries and regions.

Surgical robots also posted rapid growth. Exports reached 480 million yuan, up 330% year on year, while the export footprint expanded from 23 countries. The figures indicate that Chinese robot makers are gaining traction in overseas markets beyond domestic competition.

Revenue is scaling quickly, but profitability is still catching up. The customs data highlight the scale of China's robot supply chain and its growing role in global automation trade, with industrial robots increasingly used in manufacturing, logistics, and warehouse automation abroad.