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China has announced record export figures for 2025, achieving the world’s largest-ever trade surplus despite continued tariff pressure from the United States under President Donald Trump.
Beijing on Wednesday reported a trade surplus of $1.19 trillion (£890 billion) — the first time the figure has crossed the $1 trillion mark, surpassing the previous record of $993 billion in 2024.
China’s monthly export surpluses exceeded $100 billion on seven occasions during the year, underscoring the limited impact of US tariff measures on its overall global trade performance.
Although trade with the United States weakened, the shortfall was offset by rising exports to Southeast Asia, Africa and Latin America, highlighting Beijing’s success in diversifying its export markets.
Speaking at a press briefing, Deputy Director of China’s Customs Administration, Wang Jun, described the figures as “extraordinary and hard-won” given the “profound changes” and challenges in the global trading environment. He noted strong growth in exports of green technology, artificial intelligence-related products and robotics.
Analysts attribute the record surplus to robust overseas demand for Chinese goods, particularly from developing markets, alongside weak domestic consumption. China’s economy continues to be weighed down by a prolonged property crisis and rising debt levels, making businesses cautious about investment and consumers reluctant to spend.
As a result, import growth remained subdued, rising by just 0.5 percent in 2025.
A weaker yuan, abundant supply of manufactured goods, and persistent inflation in Western economies have also made Chinese exports more competitive internationally.
However, trade policy analyst Deborah Elms of the Hinrich Foundation described the figures as a “mixed blessing” for Beijing. While exports have boosted employment and industrial output, she warned that Chinese products could face increased scrutiny and protectionist resistance in foreign markets struggling to compete.
Elms added that China’s export momentum is likely to continue into 2026 as its goods and services become further embedded in global supply chains.
Despite the strong performance, Wang Jun cautioned that China still faces an uncertain external environment, noting that several countries have complained their markets are being flooded with low-priced Chinese goods.
Businesses are also bracing for renewed trade tensions. In April last year, President Trump triggered global market turmoil by announcing sweeping tariffs on goods from more than 90 countries, with some of the harshest measures directed at China.
The standoff briefly escalated into threats of triple-digit tariffs before both sides eased tensions following a meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea in October. While a full-scale trade war was avoided, several moderate tariffs remain in place and continue to suppress Chinese exports to the US.
Source: joynews
