Summary
China reported a record trade surplus in 2025, reaching $1.19 trillion despite tariffs imposed by President Trump. Chinese exports to regions outside the US, like South East Asia, Africa, and Latin America, increased significantly, compensating for reduced US trade.
Key Facts
- China’s trade surplus for 2025 was $1.19 trillion, the largest ever recorded globally.
- This was the first time China's full-year trade surplus exceeded $1 trillion.
- The surplus continued to grow despite US tariffs, with exports to other regions increasing.
- Monthly export surpluses surpassed $100 billion seven times in 2025.
- Exports in areas like green technology, AI products, and robotics increased.
- A weak domestic economy reduced China's need for imports, which grew by only 0.5%.
- A weaker Chinese yuan and inflation in Western countries made Chinese goods more appealing.
- China faces challenges with low-priced products affecting other markets and continued tensions from US tariffs.
