Since the last decade，the foreign trade economy of Zhanjiang has entered a new period of development. During the process of slow growth，main characteristics are presented as follows：the export commodity structure is gradually optimized；the under-diversified export market is preliminary formed；the foreign-invested enterprises having a higher proportion in foreign trade；general trade remains dominant in its trade method. But there are still many problems in the economic development of foreign trade. Its main problems on export economy include the small-scale exports，the “three- low” condition of export products，and the unreasonable use of foreign investment. Besides，a low degree of industrial concentration and uneven development between regions are also having certain impact on it. Although foreign trade position improved，foreign trade development in Zhanjiang still has fallen behind coastal cities in the Pearl River Delta，what’s worse，the contribution of it to economic growth in Zhanjiang is not high，and continue to reduce. Through the analysis of the environmental characteristics of foreign trade development and its influencing factors，the authorities should stand in a higher angle to position the strategic direction of its foreign trade from three levels：the international，national，and Guangdong Province. Furthermore，six strategic development paths are proposed as a strategic choice for the future development of Zhanjiang foreign trade.