China reported a record trade surplus of nearly $1.2 trillion in 2025, supported by steady export growth and weak imports, even as trade tensions with the United States continued. The data was released on January 14 and highlights China’s ability to adapt to changing global trade conditions.
During 2025, China’s exports rose about 5.5 percent, reaching nearly $3.77 trillion. In contrast, imports remained almost unchanged at around $2.58 trillion. This wide gap between exports and imports resulted in the largest trade surplus China has ever recorded, much higher than the $992 billion surplus in 2024.
December figures showed strong momentum. Exports increased 6.6 percent year-on-year, beating market expectations and marking the strongest growth in several months. Imports also grew by 5.7 percent, showing continued demand for overseas goods, including raw materials and components.
A key reason for the strong performance was China’s shift towards new export markets. While exports to the United States fell by about 20 percent due to higher tariffs, shipments to other regions increased sharply. Exports to Africa jumped 26 percent, while sales to Southeast Asia, the European Union and Latin America also posted solid growth.
Economists say global demand for Chinese products such as electronics, machinery and automobiles remained strong. Exporters also worked actively to reduce their dependence on the U.S. market by expanding into emerging economies. Analysts expect exports to remain an important support for China’s economy in 2026.
However, concerns persist at home. Domestic consumption remains weak, and the property sector continues to struggle. International agencies have advised China to focus more on boosting household spending to balance growth.
Financial markets reacted positively to the trade data, but experts warned that future tariff actions and geopolitical risks could affect exports. Despite these challenges, China’s 2025 trade performance shows resilience and strong global competitiveness.
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