Trade openness and economic growth quality of China: Empirical analysis using ARDL model

•This paper uses ARDL model to analyze the relation between trade openness and economic growth quality under the exchange rate fluctuation.•There is a long-term stable co-integration relationship between degree of trade openness and quality of economic growth.•The positive effect of trade openness on economic growth quality is statistically significant, with obvious regional heterogeneity.•There is an “N-type” relation existing between trade openness and economic growth quality.