China posts record $1.19tn trade surplus as exports pivot from US
China recorded a near-$1.2 trillion trade surplus in 2025 as exports rose 5.5%, offsetting U.S. tariff losses with gains in Asia, Africa and Latin America.
Overview
China posted a record trade surplus of about $1.19 trillion in 2025, its largest-ever annual surplus, according to customs data announced by Wang Jun.
Exports grew 5.5% to $3.77 trillion for the year; imports were flat at $2.58 trillion, producing the widened gap for 2025.
Shipments to the U.S. fell roughly 20%, but higher exports to Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe made up much of the shortfall.
Analysts cite strong global demand for chips, AI-related products, robotics and cars; a weaker yuan, supply advantages and weak domestic demand also boosted net exports.
The surplus underlines China’s export resilience but raises international concerns about cheap imports, potential scrutiny, and the need to rebalance toward domestic demand in 2026.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame China's surplus as resilience against Trump-era tariffs by foregrounding charged terms ('turmoil', 'sweeping tariffs') and highlighting Chinese official optimism and one analyst’s 'mixed blessing' view. Editorial choices prioritize a resilience-vs-threat narrative tied to geopolitical conflict and market diversification while underrepresenting US officials, affected firms, or independent critics.
Sources (3)
FAQ
Exports grew 5.5% to $3.77 trillion, while imports remained flat at $2.58 trillion.
Shipments to the U.S. fell roughly 20%, but this was offset by higher exports to Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe.
Strong global demand for chips, AI-related products, robotics, and cars; a weaker yuan; supply chain advantages; and weak domestic demand boosted net exports.
The trade surplus rose 19.9% year-over-year to $1.19 trillion, about 20% higher than 2024.
History
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